World Bank to Fund Restoration of Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor’s Peshawar Houses

The World Bank has stepped in to finance the restoration of the ancestral homes of legendary actors Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor in Peshawar after the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government failed to provide the necessary funds. These historical houses, located in the iconic Qissa Khwani Bazaar, hold immense cultural value as the birthplace of two Indian cinema legends.

In 2020, the KP government declared the houses national heritage sites and announced plans to restore them, but financial constraints stalled the initiative. Now, with the World Bank’s support under the KP Integrated Tourism Development Project (KITE), the restoration project is back on track.

Abdul Samad, Director of Archaeology and Museums KP, highlighted the importance of the initiative, stating, “The World Bank’s decision to fund the restoration marks a turning point. These houses will serve as cultural bridges, celebrating the shared history of Pakistan and India.”

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The restoration will open these sites to tourists and film enthusiasts, transforming them into vibrant cultural heritage destinations. The project not only preserves the legacies of Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor but also provides Peshawar an opportunity to shine globally as a city rich in history and culture.

This move is expected to strengthen cultural ties and boost tourism while celebrating the artistic contributions of these legendary figures.