Dino Morea to feature in a Malayalam film

Actor Dino Morea (right), who is venturing into the Malayalam film industry with a cameo in filmmaker Bejoy Nambiar’s next, says he isn’t making a permanent switch. “I’m not switching from Bollywood to the Malayalam film industry. As an actor, I will work — whether it is in a Malayalam, Telugu or any film,” said Dino.

He has already started shooting for the movie, and says he is not even facing any language barrier. “I grew in Bangalore, so I used to speak a lot of Tamil. But I haven’t spoken it in a long time. I will take some time to get some of the words in Tamil,” he added.

In the film, he plays an army officer. Talking about it, Dino said: “It’s pretty simple to play the role of an army officer. He is like a General who talks to his subordinates about life, imparting advice on relationships. The story is quite thrilling and fun.”

Having started out as a model, Dino featured in some short films and TV shows before he landed a key role in Pyaar Mein Kabhi Kabhi... (1999). Thereafter, he was seen in movies such as Raaz (2002), Rakht (2004), Aksar (2006), Acid Factory (2009)and Pyaar Impossible (2010).

Dino explored the production side of films with Jism 2 (2012), and also featured as a contestant in a stunt-based reality show in 2010.

Apart from films, Dino has focussed his energies on promoting fitness through open gyms on the streets of Mumbai. A free-for-all service, the fitness stations were launched in 2014.

“I am a fitness enthusiast since childhood,” said Dino, adding: “I have played a lot of sports to remain healthy and fit. Unfortunately, in Mumbai, there are not many facilities for people to use. So, I came up with the idea to open my fitness stations, which are easily accessible to people.”

PHOTO: YOGEN SHAH