Mr. Hemant Nimbalkar, a co-owner of this cinematic nostalgia, provided Swati Bhat with some exclusive insights on the iconic bike from the film "Sholay" and Jai and Veeru's Off-Screen love for this machine!
Swati Bhat
Iconic Sholay Motorcycle Shines at IFFI 2025: The 1942 BSA WM20 Draws Fans, Nostalgia, and Tribute to one of the most beloved, handsome, and legendary actors of all time, Shri Dharmendra (Dharmendra Singh Deol), who was also honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 2012.
The legendary 1942 BSA WM20 motorcycle, immortalised in the timeless friendship anthem “Yeh Dosti…” from the 1975 Bollywood classic Sholay, is once again capturing hearts — this time at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025 in Goa. Far from the rugged Ramanagara hills where it once sped across the screen with Jai and Veeru, the vintage war-time bike now stands as a shimmering tribute to a film that defined Indian pop culture.
Showcased by the Karnataka Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), the motorcycle has been preserved with extraordinary care for over 83 years. Its appearance at IFFI comes at an especially emotional moment, following the recent passing of Dharmendra, whose unforgettable performance in Sholay shaped generations of cinema lovers.
A Treasure Preserved Through Decades
A/V by Pritish Bagdi
Owned by Mr. L.K. Atheeq of Bengaluru, former Additional Chief Secretary and Chairperson of the Bengaluru Business Corridor, the BSA WM20 is more than a collector’s item. It is a moving piece of cinematic and military history. Featuring a 350cc engine, the motorcycle was originally manufactured as a wartime model. Where the ‘W’ in WM20 stands for ‘War’. Production of this model ended in 1950, making surviving units extraordinarily rare.
Mr. Atheeq acquired the bike three years ago and invested significantly in restoring it with original BSA parts sourced from across the world. “People often mistake it for a Bullet,” he joked, noting its classic design and robust frame. Only one component, the oil filter is yet to be replaced, and is expected to arrive later this year.
Despite its age, the bike remains fully operational. “Just the sidecar couldn’t be reattached; that’s my only regret,” said Mr. Hemant, who has closely overseen the preservation efforts. “Otherwise, the motorcycle is very much in running condition.”
A Bike That Captured Real-Life Friendship Too
Beyond its on-screen legacy, the BSA WM20 also holds a special place in the personal memories of the stars themselves. Late Shri Dharmendra and Mr. Amitabh Bachchan were known to love roaming around on this very motorcycle even after their shoot pack-ups. The duo shared a warm, genuine bond with the bike much like the unforgettable friendship of Jai and Veeru. They created countless off-screen memories riding it together, reinforcing its status as a symbol of true companionship both on and off the set.
This emotional connection makes the bike’s appearance at IFFI 2025 even more meaningful, serving as a reminder of the deep camaraderie that defined one of Indian cinema’s most iconic partnerships.
A Tribute to Sholay’s 50-Year Legacy
For Mr. Hemant Nimbalkar, Additional Director General of Police and Commissioner of DIPR, the display is both nostalgic and symbolic. “We wanted to commemorate 50 years of Sholay with something that would appeal to people’s memories,” he said. “No place other than Bengaluru could do it, as the movie was shot around here.”
Visitors at IFFI have been flocking to the bike, capturing photos and asking the same question: “Does it still run?”Nimbalkar feels proud every time he replies: “Yes, the 83-year-old motorcycle is very much in running condition.”
A Bridge Between Eras
The motorcycle, registered as MYB 3047 in the erstwhile Mysore State, has journeyed through generations. Originally belonging to a Karnataka family, it was passed down from grandfather to grandson before becoming part of Atheeq’s cherished collection. His own bond with the film runs deep. He remembers travelling from Akkirampura in Koratagere taluk and waiting five long hours outside Bengaluru’s Kapali Theatre to watch Sholay as a kid.
Today, the BSA WM20 stands proudly at IFFI 2025, merging the past with the present. Flashing a gleaming symbol of friendship, heritage, and Karnataka’s quiet yet pivotal role in shaping one of the India’s greatest cinematic masterpieces.
With the passing of Shri Dharmendra, the motorcycle’s presence offers a heartfelt tribute to the star whose warmth, charm and screen magic continue to live on just like the unforgettable ride of Jai and Veeru.
