Iconic Sholay Motorcycle Outshines Celebrities at IFFI
At the International Film Festival of India in Goa, an unexpected star has emerged from the archives and is stealing all the attention. Positioned strategically near the parking area, just beyond the security checkpoint, rests the legendary BSA WM20 motorcycle from the iconic Bollywood film Sholay, displayed proudly inside a glass enclosure.
Cinephiles Flock to See Piece of Bollywood History
The 1942 model motorcycle, made famous by Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra during the unforgettable Yeh Dosti song sequence, has become the festival's biggest attraction. Brought out of storage by Karnataka's Department of Information and Public Relations to commemorate Sholay's 50th anniversary, the vehicle is proving more popular than the red carpet events and celebrity appearances.
Festival attendees consistently pause their journey to film screenings to photograph themselves with the historic bike. The most photographed element appears to be the registration plate bearing MYB 3047 from the former Mysore state. Visitors repeatedly ask the same questions: "Is this the actual motorcycle from Sholay?", "Can it still operate?", and "Is this an authentic piece or a reproduction?"
Emotional Connection Strengthened After Dharmendra's Passing
The emotional significance of the display intensified following the demise of Dharmendra on November 25, with even larger crowds gathering to pay tribute to the actor through this tangible piece of his cinematic legacy. Among the festival installations, few have generated the level of excitement and nostalgia as this motorcycle.
Grace, an enthusiastic film lover who carefully positioned herself behind the motorcycle for photographs, expressed her amazement: "Without the Sholay poster nearby, we might have walked right past this treasure. It's absolutely iconic, and I can hardly believe we're seeing the genuine motorcycle. Though I do wish the sidecar was present as well!"
Another festival participant, Jacob Verghese, shared his perspective: "Regardless of which generation you belong to, everyone recognizes the Yeh Dosti song. Everyone knows that motorcycle. Having it here at IFFI feels like we're witnessing a crucial fragment of Indian cinema history."
The Making of an Unforgettable Song Sequence
The legendary Yeh Dosti sequence required twenty days of filming to achieve perfection. Director Ramesh Sippy and cinematographer Dwarka Divecha made the creative decision to add a sidecar to the motorcycle, symbolizing the deep friendship between the characters Jai and Veeru. They employed a 180-degree filming technique that created an immersive experience, making audiences feel as though they were riding alongside the beloved characters.
The motorcycle's overwhelming popularity at IFFI 2024 demonstrates the enduring power of classic Bollywood cinema and its ability to connect generations of Indian movie enthusiasts through shared cultural memories.
