This was where a young Raj Kapoor first opened his eyes, where theatre legend Prithviraj Kapoor grew up, and where a legacy began that would later define Bollywood for generations - right up to Ranbir Kapoor today.

But today, that very haveli - once echoing with conversations, rehearsals, laughter and dreams - stands damaged, fragile, and heartbreakingly close to collapse. A recent spell of heavy rain followed by earthquake tremors has left parts of the structure caved in, triggering fresh concern over whether this cultural landmark can be saved at all.

Raj Kapoor's historic Kapoor Haveli in Peshawar: What Exactly Happened?

The latest damage to Kapoor Haveli wasn't sudden - it was almost inevitable. Years of neglect had already weakened the century-old structure, and nature simply delivered the final blow. According to officials, including heritage council secretary Shakeel Waheedullah, a portion of the haveli's wall collapsed after continuous rainfall softened its foundations. The situation worsened when earthquake tremors struck on Friday night, destabilising the already crumbling structure further. Thankfully, no casualties were reported. What's alarming, however, is the warning that followed: unless urgent restoration begins, more of the haveli could be lost permanently.

Raj Kapoor's historic Kapoor Haveli in Peshawar: A 100-Year-Old Masterpiece with 40 Rooms

Built between 1918 and 1922 by Dewan Basheswarnath Kapoor, the haveli wasn't just a residence - it was a statement of architectural elegance.

• The structure originally housed around 40 rooms, spread across multiple levels
• Its façade featured intricate floral designs, carved wooden balconies, and traditional jharokhas
• Located in Qissa Khwani Bazaar, one of Peshawar's most historic neighbourhoods

Even today, despite its fragile condition, traces of its grandeur remain visible - a reminder of what once stood tall.

Did you know?

The haveli was officially declared a national heritage site by the Pakistan government in 2016, recognising its importance not just to cinema, but to shared cultural history across borders.

Where the Kapoor Story Began

Long before Bollywood became a global phenomenon, this haveli witnessed the early years of a family that would go on to dominate Indian cinema for decades. Raj Kapoor and his uncle Trilok Kapoor were born here, while the house also saw moments of joy and tragedy - including the birth and untimely loss of two of Raj Kapoor's younger siblings in 1931. The roots of the Kapoor dynasty lie deeply embedded in these walls. Prithviraj Kapoor, often regarded as the patriarch of the family, began his journey into films in 1928 - a move that would eventually create one of India's most influential film legacies. Interestingly, while Shammi Kapoor and Shashi Kapoor were born in India, they frequently visited this haveli in their early years, keeping the connection alive even after the family moved.

Partition Changed Everything

Like countless families during the Partition of India, the Kapoors left Peshawar in 1947 and relocated to India, leaving behind not just property, but memories. The haveli, once alive with activity, slowly turned into an abandoned relic. Over time, neglect, natural wear and surrounding urban development pushed it into decay. And yet, the emotional connection never fully faded.

• In the 1990s, Rishi Kapoor and Randhir Kapoor visited the site
• They reportedly collected soil from the haveli - a symbolic gesture, carrying a piece of their roots back home

It's the kind of detail that says more than any archive ever could.

Restoration Promises - And Reality

Over the years, there have been multiple discussions about restoring Kapoor Haveli and even converting it into a museum. At one point, Pakistani authorities gave assurances, raising hopes that the site would be preserved for future generations. But the reality has been far less promising. The haveli remains privately owned, and while the current owner has expressed willingness to sell, reports suggest the asking price runs into billions of rupees. Meanwhile, attempts to redevelop the property commercially have repeatedly clashed with heritage preservation efforts. The result? A stalemate - with the building itself paying the price.

A Legacy Beyond Borders

Kapoor Haveli isn't just about one family. It represents a shared cultural past - a reminder that cinema, history and identity often transcend geography. Peshawar, in fact, has roots connected to several iconic names in Indian cinema, including Dilip Kumar and Sunil Dutt. Even Shah Rukh Khan's paternal lineage traces back to the city. Which is what makes the haveli's current state even more poignant. This isn't just a building deteriorating - it's a piece of collective memory slowly fading away.

Can It Still Be Saved?

That question now hangs in the air. Officials and heritage activists continue to push for immediate intervention, but time is clearly running out. With each passing monsoon and every tremor, the structure weakens further. Kapoor Haveli is more than bricks and mortar - it is a living archive of Indian cinema's origins, a silent witness to history, and perhaps one of the most powerful symbols of cultural continuity between two nations. If restored, it could become a landmark of shared heritage. If not, it risks becoming another story we tell in past tense. And some stories deserve better endings.

Read more news like this on www.etnownews.com