Cinema has been a uniting factor for India and Pakistan. The Kapoor family has roots in the neighbouring country. The Cultural Heritage Council (CHC) Khyber–Pakhtunkhwa in Pakistan organised candle vigil outside the 'Kapoor Haveli’ to pay their tribute to Shashi Kapoor, who passed away on 4 December in Mumbai.
Located in the Dhaki Nalbani area in the interiors of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, the Kapoor ancestral home was built by Dewan Basheswarnath Singh Kapoor (father of Prithviraj Kapoor) in the early 20th century, who lived in the city.
“Peshawarites have great love and respect for the Kapoor family and Bollywood actors belonging to the ancient city," CHC secretary Shakeel Waheedullah told Press Trust of India.
Shabana Azmi had retweeted a picture of fans paying tribute to Shashi.
In 1942, the family had sold the house and migrated to Mumbai.
Pakistani historian Mohammad Ibrahim Zia, who has written Peshawar Ke Fankar, a book on Hindi cinema stars hailing from Peshawar, spoke about meeting Shashi in 2014 and how the Indian actor hosted them in his house.
“Though he was ill at the time when we met in 2014, happiness was clearly visible on his face," said Zia. The historian added that a delegation of CHC will visit Mumbai to offer their condolences to the Kapoor family.
Shashi passed away due to prolonged age-related illnesses earlier this week.