Preserving History: Kapoor Haveli's Journey from Home to Heritage
In the heart of Peshawar, Pakistan, stands a silent witness
to the golden era of Indian cinema and the illustrious Kapoor family – the
Kapoor Haveli. This residential building, constructed between 1918 and 1922 by
Dewan Basheswarnath Kapoor, is more than just brick and mortar; it is a
repository of memories, a living testament to the Kapoor family's legacy in the
world of show business.
The Kapoors, proud Punjabi Hindus, called this haveli home,
and it was within these walls that the first seeds of cinematic stardom were
sown. Prithviraj Kapoor, the patriarch, paved the way for the family's entry
into the film industry in 1928. The likes of Trilok Kapoor, Prithviraj's
younger brother, and the legendary Raj Kapoor, were born within the confines of
this historical abode.
However, the echoes of history reverberate with the
partition of India in 1947. As with many other Hindu families, the Kapoors left
their city and their ancestral home. The haveli, once bustling with the
laughter and footsteps of a thriving family, fell into the hands of new owners
through an auction in 1968.
Fast forward to the present day, and Kapoor Haveli is in the
spotlight once again. IMGC Global Entertainment, in collaboration with the
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, is undertaking the noble task of transforming
this historic residence into a museum. The move not only pays homage to the
Kapoor family's contributions to the world of entertainment but also serves as
a testament to the cultural ties that transcend borders.
The journey to preserve Kapoor Haveli, however, is not
without its challenges. Valued at Rs 15 million in 2021, the deputy
commissioner of Peshawar has initiated plans to convert the building into a
museum, issuing notices to the current owner, Gul Rehman Mohmmad, who seeks Rs
2 billion in return.
The haveli's history is etched in every brick and wooden
slab. According to the inscription at the entrance, its construction commenced
in 1918, a period that witnessed the tail end of British India. Raj Kapoor, one
of Indian cinema's most iconic figures, took his first breaths within these
hallowed walls in 1924, while two younger siblings, born in 1931, also began
their journey here.
Over the years, the Kapoor Haveli faced the test of time,
including an earthquake that led to the demolition of its top three stories two
decades ago. Today, surrounded by commercial structures that pose a threat to
its structural integrity, the haveli stands as a symbol of resilience against
the forces of change.
In 1990, Raj Kapoor's younger brother, Shashi Kapoor, along
with his sons Randhir Kapoor and Rishi Kapoor, made a poignant visit to
Peshawar. Their pilgrimage to the family home, marked by taking soil from the
compound as a memento, showcased a poignant connection to their roots.
As the tale of Kapoor Haveli unfolds, it becomes more than a
story of a historic building; it becomes a narrative of shared heritage,
cultural ties, and the collective responsibility to preserve the treasures that
bind us to our past. The journey from a family home to a potential museum is a
step towards ensuring that the Kapoor legacy lives on for generations to come.
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