Amitabh–Dharmendra’s Sholay Bike Now Owned by Ex-IAS Officer

Sholay Iconic Bike: It’s not just any motorcycle from the Second World War era; it’s the same two-wheeler that Dharmendra and Amitabh Bachchan drove in the famed “Yeh Dosti” scene from the 1975 movie Sholay.

The Birmingham Small Arms Company built the BSA WM20 in 1942, and retired IAS official L.K. Atheeq presently resides in Bengaluru. The bike’s original Mysore State registration number, MYB 3047, is still visible in the iconic Ramanagara scene.

Atheeq bought the motorcycle in 2022 after seeing this one-of-a-kind bike from one of his friends.

“I feel great that I own a piece of cinematic history,” said retired IAS officer LK Atheeq. Like many of us, I’ve always loved movies, especially Sholay. I was thrilled when a buddy showed me this bike in 2022, and I couldn’t believe it was the original. I was then reassured that it was authentic and included all supporting documentation. Thus, it’s all because of a friend. Although I don’t collect bikes, this one got into my possession; therefore, it’s an exciting item to have.”

The motorcycle, which was once functional enough for quick rides, is now on display in Atheeq’s lawn as a memorial to Indian cinema and its lasting influence.

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He also said, “The bike was visibly okay, but it was not in good working condition. It had to be repaired, restored, and many parts were missing. So we almost left it to the mechanic for anywhere between 4 to 6 months to repair. Then we brought it, and we found that oil was leaking from the engine. Again, we sent it back for further repairs. Then it came back, and I rode it once, and it is in working condition, but it can’t really go very far. So I’m not really sure if we can take it too far. So we took it for short rides to ensure it was in working condition, and now we just keep it like this (without running).” The legendary motorcycle, which has been carefully and passionately kept, continues to evoke nostalgia and link generations to one of Sholay’s most treasured memories.