Dino Morea: “I don’t live in the past, nor do I live to expect too much from the future.”

 Lipika Varma catches up with Dino Morea, fresh off the success of the OTT series The Empire, on his gradual return to the industry and what’s in store for the star next.

Over the last year, actor and former model Dino Morea has been slowly gracing our screens again. The actor, who began his foray into the film industry with blockbusters such as Raaz, is currently exploring the OTT platform. Hailed for his role as an assassin in the second season of Hotstar Special Hostages, Morea has once again struck gold with the entertainment label. The Empire, directed by Mitakshara Kumar, has Morea in the role of the antagonist Shaibani Khan. The performance has received wide accolades. In light of this, we catch up with the actor and learn what lies next for him.

Your look in The Empire is much raved and talked about. What was the process behind it all?

My look was talked about and designed by our director Mitakshara Kumar and myself. We tried various looks. The story required the person to have a scar on his face and as he is a warrior, he needed to have a battered look, like that of someone gone to war. The long hair only added to the image. We had some fantastic artists come and work with Mitakshara for the jewellery. I’m happy it turned out well.

They say when it rains, it pours. That is exactly what is happening in my life at this moment.

2021 has so far been a busy year for you in terms of acting and producing as well. 

The past two weeks of 2021 have been outstanding. As an actor, I have had a huge release with The Empire. I have received some tremendous feedback for my role as Shaibani Khan, and I feel this is a good comeback for me, As a producer, I have The Empire as a series, as well as the movie Helmet. Both seem to be doing well, touch wood. They say when it rains, it pours. That is exactly what is happening in my life at this moment. I have been waiting for this opportunity for a really long time. I have been working on my production as well as myself as an actor. It’s been busy and I hope it continues to be busy for a long time.

Will you ever reunite with the Bhatts again, be it as an actor or producer?

I would love to reunite with Mahesh Bhatt sir. And Mukesh ji too, if ever there is an opportunity. I think it might happen with me as an actor, but if there is an interesting script and we can collaborate, then why not? I am open to working with everybody. 

You have had an interesting life, with many twists and curves your way. What do you think of, when you look back at your past experiences now?

At this point in my life, I look at my past experiences in everything I have been through. It has taught me a lot. I find a far more mature understanding of life. You know, life teaches you a lot. It takes you high and puts you on a pedestal, and then it drops you down. I have seen the highs and the lows; the film industry has taught me a lot too. I have imbibed all that I have learnt going forward. I don’t live in the past, nor do I live to expect too much from the future. However, I am very ambitious. I try my best to live every day to the maximum; life has taught me to do that. You can dream and work hard, and I’ve done that. I have realised that nothing can match hard work and that there will always be a light at the end of the dark tunnel. I am disciplined and I know I will be able to fight my way out of difficult situations in life. I’m on my way up again.

I try my best to live every day to the maximum; life has taught me to do that.

Will we ever see you venture into South Indian films?

I’m an actor, so yes. No matter where the film is from, be it North, South, East or West, I definitely wish to participate as long as the story is good. 

Is marriage on the cards anytime soon?

Marriages are not made in heaven; marriages are made here, knotted on Earth – that’s a truth. Hopefully, marriage happens soon. I do believe in the institution of marriage.