The Kapoor family has a strong connection with our neighbouring country, Pakistan. They have a house in the country, known as the ‘Kapoor Haveli’. Bollywood icon, Rishi Kapoor and his equally great father, Prithviraj Kapoor were born their. The Kapoor family had migrated to India after the partition of 1947. Though, their old house was safe in Pakistan for a long time, the same cannot be said now.
As per reports, the house is under threat from its current owner. Haji Muhammad Israr, a wealthy jeweller in the city of Peshawar is the owner. His desire to build a huge commercial complex in place of the house, has grown over the years. Naturally, he wants to deconstruct the house down.
For several years, it was safe under the Pakistan government. In 2018, the government were requested by late actor, Rishi Kapoor to convert the house into a museum. They even decided to do so. Foreign Minister, Shah Mahmood Qureshi himself had assured Rishi about its conversation into a museum.
Located in Qissa Khwani Bazar in Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the house has a historic significance not only for the Kapoor family but also for Pakistan. Though, with time its condition has deteriorated, with several residents claiming that it can fall any time.
The current owner had tried to demolish the house three to four times, only to be thwarted by FIR’s against him. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa heritage department had filed them against him.
Even though the government tried to convert it into a museum, Israr had reportedly disagreed with them over its price. However, Israr has denied these claims. He had said :
“I have sufficient money to cater to my needs. I supply around 3 to 4 maund (120kg-160kg) gold a week to the Peshawar biggest jewellery market.”
On the other hand, Locals living in the city are urging the government to act fast. Their concern is that it will be too late, as the building might collapsed because of its fragile condition.
In 1990, Rishi Kapoor and Randhir Kapoor had visited their ancestral home. Currently, it is reportedly worth over Rs 5 Crore.