Raj Kapoor Haveli Collapse: Peshawar Ancestral Home Partly Damaged

A very sad news has come from across the border, which has deeply upset cinema lovers and fans of the Kapoor family. The historic ancestral home of the great Raj Kapoor in Peshawar city of Pakistan is falling apart.

Known as the 'Kapoor Haveli', a part of this building has collapsed recently. It is being reported that heavy rains followed by a strong earthquake on Friday night weakened the already shaky structure.

Also read: Chand Mera Dil First Look: Lakshya and Ananya Panday Revealed

Raj Kapoor Haveli: Peshawar's Fading Legacy

This haveli is standing in the heart of the famous Qissa Khwani Bazar in Peshawar and is more than a hundred years old. It was built by Raj Kapoor's grandfather, Dewan Basheswarnath Kapoor, between 1918 and 1922. These are not just walls made of bricks, but the roots of the biggest family in Indian cinema. Raj Kapoor, the 'Showman' of Hindi films, was born in this very house. Even though the building looks like a ruin today, its beautiful carvings and windows still show how grand it was in the old days.

Kapoor Haveli Collapse: Urgent Repair Warning

The secretary of the Heritage Council in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Shakeel Waheedullah, has confirmed this news. He shared that a section of the haveli's wall came down after the quake. Thankfully, no one was hurt in the incident, but the condition of the house is now very dangerous. He has warned the government and the archaeology department that if they don't start the repair work immediately, we will lose this historic site forever.

Also Read: Tu Juliet Jatt Di actress Aanchal Khurana Reveals How She Handles Fame and Criticism

Actually, the Pakistan government had declared this haveli as a 'National Heritage' in 2016. But despite being on the official list, it was never really taken care of. It has been lying abandoned for many years. The haveli has about 40 rooms, and the front side is decorated with very pretty floral designs. During the Partition, Raj Kapoor's family moved to India, leaving this house behind, but their memories are still alive in those streets.

Rishi Kapoor Haveli Visit: Museum Plan Stalls

Rishi Kapoor and Randhir Kapoor had also visited their ancestral home in Peshawar back in the 90s. Rishi Kapoor always wanted this place to be turned into a museum so that future generations could see it. Some Pakistani leaders had also promised to save it, but because of money issues and legal problems, nothing much happened.

According to the latest reports, the local people living nearby are also scared. They say that the building is in such bad shape that it can fall completely anytime and might damage surrounding houses too. People in the Indian film industry are also very sad to hear this. Fans of Raj Kapoor are appealing on social media that both governments should work together to save this piece of history.

Dilip Kumar House: Peshawar's Bollywood Roots

An interesting thing is that the old house of Dilip Kumar is also located near this haveli. These streets of Peshawar have seen the golden era of Bollywood. Two of Raj Kapoor's younger brothers were also born here, but they passed away in 1931. His other brothers, Shammi Kapoor and Shashi Kapoor, were born in India. This house is like a temple for the Kapoor clan.

Now we have to see if the Peshawar administration finally wakes up after this accident. Shakeel Waheedullah and other historians are constantly saying that this is not just a building, it is a culture. If it is not saved today, it will only remain in history books. Let's hope that after this rain and earthquake, the 'Kapoor Haveli' gets the attention it deserves and its beauty is restored.

FAQs

What are Raj Kapoor's most iconic films?

Raj Kapoor is best known for classics like Awaara, Shree 420, and Mera Naam Joker, which remain timeless for their music, themes, and performances.

Why was Raj Kapoor called the Showman of Bollywood?

Raj Kapoor earned the title for his grand filmmaking style, emotional storytelling, and ability to blend entertainment with social messages.

What was Raj Kapoor's contribution to Indian cinema?

Raj Kapoor revolutionized Bollywood with socially relevant films, innovative direction, and memorable music that shaped the industry's golden era.

Did Raj Kapoor have international recognition?

Yes, Raj Kapoor gained massive popularity in countries like the Soviet Union, where films like Awaara became cultural phenomena.

What was Raj Kapoor's connection to RK Studios?

Raj Kapoor founded RK Studios, which became a symbol of classic Bollywood filmmaking and produced several iconic films.