Bollywood legend Dilip Kumar’s ancestral home here, declared a national heritage by the Pakistan Government, is at risk of collapse after two storeys of the dilapidated building caved in and the rest in shambles.
Residents of the Khudadad neighbourhood of the fabled Qissi Khawani Bazar have called on the Government to take immediate steps to prevent the loss of the national heritage.
Kumar’s property was declared a national heritage in last year, giving a reason to the people of Peshawar who have looked up at the five marla three storeys house with pride to celebrate.
Kumar, who turned 92 on Thursday, is a recipient of Nishan-i-Imtiaz, Pakistan’s highest civilian honour.
The house, spread over 130 square metre, was even declared a protected monument and the government planned to convert it into a museum but so far nothing has been done.
“It is in terrible condition and could cave in anytime which would be disastrous as it is a national heritage,” said Shah Hussain, who lives close to the ancestral home of Kumar. “Two storeys have already collapsed in places and the building could cave in anytime. It speaks of the federal and provincial governments’ apathy towards national and cultural heritage,” Hussain said.