Dilip Kumar’s Ancestral Home in Peril: The Plight of a National Heritage

Perilous Condition

Threat of Collapse

Legendary late actor Dilip Kumar’s ancestral home in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, recognized as a national heritage, is on the verge of collapse due to severe damage inflicted by recent rains. The torrential downpours have laid bare the hollow promises made by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) Archive Department regarding the restoration and upkeep of the residence.

Historical Significance

Birthplace and Heritage

Born in 1922 in Mohallah Khudadad, situated at the rear of the historic Qissa Khwani Bazar in Peshawar city, Kumar spent his formative years in this house before relocating to India in 1932. Designated as Pakistan’s national heritage monument on July 13, 2014, by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the house holds significant sentimental value for Kumar and his admirers.

Emotional Connections

Sentiments Shared

Saira Banu, Kumar’s wife, emotionally expressed the significance of the ancestral home, acknowledging Kumar’s deep bond with Peshawar despite his migration to India at a young age. She emphasized Kumar’s love for his homeland, his dedication to serving the less fortunate, and his enduring legacy as an actor and humanitarian.

Government Inaction

Failure to Preserve

Shakeel Waheedullah Khan, Secretary of Heritage Council KPK province, lamented the deterioration of Kumar’s house due to heavy rains, highlighting the government’s failure to allocate resources for its protection and preservation. Despite assurances, no funds have been allocated to safeguard this historic property, leading to its gradual decay.

Lack of Accountability

Broken Promises

Local socio-political circles have expressed dismay over the Archive Department’s lackluster efforts in preventing the collapse of this national asset. Despite promises in press releases, tangible actions to shield the heritage site from natural disasters have been conspicuously absent, leading to widespread disappointment among heritage enthusiasts.

Neglect and Decline

Historic Legacy Forsaken

Muhammad Ali Mir, a former caretaker of the property, recounted the decline that began when the Archive Department assumed control. He criticized their purported restoration efforts, which he claimed remained confined to mere rhetoric, failing to address the urgent need for preservation.

Enduring Legacy

Tribute to Kumar

Reflecting on Kumar’s affection for Peshawar, Mir expressed regret over the department’s inability to safeguard his beloved childhood home, underscoring Kumar’s enduring legacy and his reverence for the city. Despite his passing in 2021, Kumar’s bond with Peshawar endures, immortalized by his posthumous recognition with Pakistan’s highest civilian honour, the Nishan-e-Imtiaz, bestowed upon him in 1997.

Dilip Kumar’s ancestral home stands as a testament to his legacy and the shared heritage of Pakistan and India. Its imminent collapse underscores the urgent need for government intervention to preserve this historic landmark for future generations.