Dharmendra's Sholay Legacy Lives On: Iconic Bike Becomes Silent Tribute at IFFI

Image Source: Internet

A 1942 BSA WM20 motorcycle, made famous by its starring role in the 1975 blockbuster Sholay, has taken on a poignant new significance at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. The bike, which was on display to celebrate the film's 50th anniversary, has become an impromptu memorial to the late Dharmendra following his passing on November 24. As visitors approach the motorcycle, now encased in a glass enclosure, they stop, stare, and take pictures. But many also pause for a moment of reflection, as if paying respects to a memory. The bike, which has been a symbol of friendship for generations, now serves as a poignant reminder of Dharmendra's enduring legacy. Fans who arrived at the festival with smiles on their faces were visibly shaken by the news of Dharmendra's passing. One fan, wiping away tears, said, 'This is very sad news. He was not just a person who has gone; he was an entire era.' Another attendee echoed his sentiments, saying, 'Seeing this 50-year-old poster and this bike today... it hurts that such a big legend is no longer with us.' Sholay, which remains one of India's biggest films, has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. Dharmendra's portrayal of Veeru, alongside Amitabh Bachchan's Jai, has become an integral part of the country's cultural heritage. The bike, with its registration number MYB3047, now stands as a testament to the enduring power of Sholay and the man who brought it to life.