Kapoor Haveli damaged by earthquake in Pakistan; Will it be preserved or fade into history?

The iconic haveli of Raj Kaoor in Peshawar has suffered partial collapse following an earthquake and heavy rainfall. The heritage building, built in the early 20th century, was already in a dilapidated state.

Post Published By: Sona Saini

Updated : 5 April 2026, 1:10 PM IST

Pakistan Quake Hits Raj Kapoor Haveli

New Delhi: The Kapoor Haveli, the ancestral home of Bollywood legend Raj Kapoor, located in Peshawar, Pakistan, is once again in the news. A portion of the historic building has collapsed due to the recent earthquake and continuous heavy rain. It is reported that the strong tremors that struck Friday night further damaged the already dilapidated mansion, completely razing a portion of it.

Mansion was already in a dilapidated state

According to reports, the mansion had been in poor condition due to a lack of repairs for a long time. Continuous rain had weakened its foundation and walls. The earthquake tremors proved even more dangerous for the building. However, it is a matter of relief that no one was reported injured in the incident.

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Officials express concern

Shakeel Wahidullah, Secretary of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Heritage Council, expressed deep concern over the incident. He said that the collapse of a portion of the mansion after the earthquake is a very serious matter and it has become even more important to save the remaining structure. He has appealed to the Archaeological Department and the government to take immediate and concrete steps to preserve this historical heritage.

Kapoor Haveli holds historical significance

This mansion in Peshawar is not just a building, but an important part of the history of Indian cinema. It was built by Devan Basheshwarnath Kapoor between 1918 and 1922. Prithviraj Kapoor spent a large part of his life here, while Raj Kapoor and his brother Trilok Kapoor were also born in the same mansion.

Mansion was once an epitome of grandeur

This mansion, with approximately 40 rooms, was a center of attraction in its time. Shashi Kapoor and Shammi Kapoor also visited and stayed here. However, after the Partition of 1947, the mansion fell into near-desertion and its condition gradually deteriorated.

All eyes on its preservation

Today, this mansion is seen as an important cultural heritage, but due to lack of timely maintenance, its existence is in danger. Now the question is whether the Pakistan government and the concerned departments will take concrete steps to save this historical heritage or this building will gradually become history.