The IFFI red carpet had also expected appearances from director Ramesh Sippy and the film’s leading lady Hema Malini. However, due to Dharmendra’s failing health in the days before his passing, Hema had already withdrawn from attending.

The remastered version was screened earlier this year at the Toronto International Film Festival, where Dharmendra’s son, actor Bobby Deol, walked the red carpet on his father’s behalf.

Sholay – The Final Cut, a fully restored and remastered 4K version of the iconic film, is set for a wide re-release in cinemas on December 12, 2025, to mark its 50th anniversary. This version has also made headlines for reinstating the film’s original, darker ending—the director’s cut that was altered for the 1975 theatrical release due to censorship guidelines.

IFFI to pay homage to Dharmendra at closing ceremony

The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is also organising a special tribute for actor Dharmendra at its closing ceremony later this week, an official said.

“We received the unfortunate news of Dharam ji’s passing away on Monday. A minute’s silence was observed at the closing ceremony of the Film Bazaar as a mark of respect. We will also be paying homage to the beloved legend during the festival’s closing ceremony,” Prakash Magdum, Managing Director, NFDC, told PTI.

Jai–Veeru’s bike becomes a moving memorial

Meanwhile, the legendary 1942 BSA WM20 motorcycle, immortalised as Jai and Veeru’s ride in the iconic “Yeh Dosti” sequence, has become an unexpected memorial at IFFI following Dharmendra’s passing on November 24.

'Yeh Dosti Hum Nahi Todenge' ✌️

The iconic Jai–Veeru bike from the 1975 classic Sholay is turning heads at @IFFIGoadrawing crowds and nostalgia alike.

IFFI is celebrating 50 years of this legendary film and this unforgettable bike.

Come be a part of #IFFI and experience… pic.twitter.com/280jNefEpt

— PIB in Goa 🇮🇳 (@PIB_Panaji) November 21, 2025

Displayed in a glass enclosure, the bike drew visitors into quiet reflection. People paused, took photographs, and lingered—as if the machine itself held decades of memories. For fans, it is no longer just a prop. It is Jai and Veeru, it is Sholay, and now, it is Dharmendra.

“The motorcycle displayed on the festival premises was introduced as a special attraction this year to mark the celebration for 50 years of ‘Sholay’. But it has also become a tribute to Dharmendra ji now, as visitors can’t help but recall the iconic song ‘Yeh Dosti’ and his unforgettable presence when they see it,” Magdum said.

The five-minute song sequence, which was shot on this bike took 21 days to shoot, read the information that is displayed alongside the bike.

“BSA WM20 was part of BSA’s massive wartime contribution to Britain’s war effort, 1937 was its first year of production that would last until the late 1950s. The ‘W’ in the model designation signifies that it was specifically-designed to be a military motorcycle,” the display further read.