Dino Morea (/ˈdiːnoʊməˈreɪə/; born 9 December 1975) is an Indian actor and former model who has appeared in several Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam and Telugu films.[3][4][5] Morea initially established himself as a fashion model before making his film debut in the 1999 film Pyaar Mein Kabhi Kabhi. Through a career spanning over two decades, Morea has won several accolades and acted in over 50 films, ranging from romance to horror genres, though usually in action genres, thus proving himself one of the most popular Hindi film actors since the 2000s.[6]
He had his biggest commercial success in the horror film Raaz in 2002.[7] He starred in films such as Gunaah (2002), Plan (2004), Holiday (2006), Dus Kahaniyaan (2007), Bhram (2008) and Acid Factory (2009). After consecutive commercial failures, he made sporadic appearances in film during the 2010s.[8]
Dino Morea was born in Bangalore to an Italian father and an Indian mother.[9][2] His mother hails from Kalamassery in Kochi, Kerala.[10] He spent the first 11 years of his life in Italy.[11] He is the second of three brothers: Nicolo Morea is his older brother and Santino Morea his younger brother.[2][12] He initially attended Bangalore Military School, graduated from St. Joseph's College in Bangalore and also went to Clarence High School. He was noticed while modelling for a fashion company and soon received his first film offer.[2]
In 2002, Morea starred in the year's most successful horror thriller, Raaz.[17] Directed by Vikram Bhatt, it established Morea in the Hindi film industry. His portrayal of Aditya Dhanraj received positive reviews from the critics. Shah Rukh Khan praised Morea's performance and said "Your film is really doing well".[18] He won a Zee Cine Award in the category of Dynamic Duo with Bipasha Basu. Raaz was both a commercial and critical success, and served as the best film of his career.[19]
Amol Shetge's 2002 thriller Gunaah was a flop, but Morea was praised for his performance.[20][12]
2003–2007: Established actor
Following the success of Raaz, Morea worked in consecutive box office failures for the rest of the decade with the exception of Aksar and Tom Dick and Harry (both 2006) having been moderate successes.[21]
Morea performed the lead role in three 2003 films. He starred in the psychological thriller Baaz: A Bird in Danger, which was produced by Tinu Verma.[22] His next release was Chal:The Game of Death. Later that year, he starred in the horror thriller Sssshhh..., for which he was nominated for the Superstar of Tomorrow – Male.[23]
He had four releases in 2007, all of which drew mixed reviews. His first film of the year, Life Mein Kabhie Kabhiee, failed at the box office. He depicted Rajeev Arora, an aspiring CEO who is eager to become a billionaire.[39] That year, he also made a special appearance in Farah Khan's film Om Shanti Om, performing in the song "Deewangi Deewangi" with Malaika Arora and Salman Khan.[40] He was featured in a segment of the anthology film Dus Kahaniyaan.[41] His final release of the year was Deha.
In 2012, he produced the erotic film Jism 2 (2012) which starred former pornstar Sunny Leone in her film debut and turned out to be a success.[46] He made cameo appearances in Happy New Year (2014) and Alone (2015).[35]
In addition to acting, Morea is a football and basketball enthusiast who supports charities and organisations. Morea and Lara Dutta traveled to watch the Los Angeles Lakers in action, and on 8 April 2009, saw the NBA inaugurate a refurbished basketball court in a Mumbai suburb.[47] In 2022, he attended the FIFA World Cup final in Qatar.[48]
He is the captain and midfielder of the All Stars Football Club, a celebrity football club that raises money for charity. In March 2013, he played a game to raise funds for the Magic Funds Organisation, an NGO for underprivileged children.[49][50] In 2016, he officially joined Pet Fed as he was on board as an investor.[51][52][53][54]
In 1996, he began dating Bipasha Basu.[90] They were featured in many films together. They also worked in many modelling assignments together.[91] In 1998, an ad for the Swiss undergarment manufacturer Calida which featured both of them caused controversy because it showed him biting her underwear. It was eventually taken down.[92] He broke up with Bipasha Basu after the release of their successful film Raaz.[93]
In Indian media, he is often referred to as "Chocolate Boy" due to him being pretty and handsome looking.[97][98][99][100] He is well known for his devotion to his work and his ability to commit heavily to each role.[101] He is also known for his versatile acting skills and heartthrob status.[102] Onkar Kulkarni from Times of India described Morea as a stylish superhero.[103] In February 1999, he appeared as a cover model on the World edition of Elle magazine.[104][105] In Times' 50 Most Desirable Men list, Morea ranked 13th in 2009,[106] 30th in 2010,[107] 45th in 2011,[108] 42nd in 2012,[109] 35th in 2013,[110] and 34th in 2014.[111] He was listed in GQ's Best Dressed Men in 2010, 2012, 2015 and 2017.[112] Morea was inducted into the Gladrags Hall of Fame.[113]
Wealth and assets
Morea is one of the wealthiest and most powerful celebrities in India. In 2023, his net worth was estimated at over US$10 million.[114][115] He owns several properties in India and abroad.[116]
↑ "Dino Morea chat". Hindustan Times. 14 May 2003. Archived from the original on 15 September 2024. I was born and brought up in Bangalore. My name is an Italian name because my father is an Italian and my mother is Indian.
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