‘Vivek studied in UK, but he’s a true blue Indian’
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 freefor-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.”
Actor Divyanka Tripathi Dahiya (far left) who tied the knot with actor Vivek Dahiya (left) in July last year, feels fortunate to have someone like him, in her life. The Banoo Main Teri Dulhann actor also says that Vivek has been a constant support for her. “I’ll always be thankful to God for what I have in life. It’s your good karma that comes back to you. I must have done something good to have Vivek in my life. He is loving, innocent and so humble. He understands me inside out. He is my strength, someone I know who is always there for me,” says Divyanka.
The actor feels that Vivek’s good qualities stem from a good upbringing. “He has studied in the UK and lived there for quite some time. Yet when you meet him, he is still a true blue Indian. The best thing about him is that he has imbibed the best of both worlds. He respects women and is loving towards everyone,” she says.
Divyanka and Vivek are currently part of a fiction show. About the experience of working together, she says, “It’s easier to work with him given the comfort level and understanding we both share. Also, given our hectic schedules, we don’t get to spend much time alone. So, working on same shows helps us to spend more time together and we love it.”