Dino Morea, who celebrated his 49th birthday on Monday, tells us that age has given him a new perspective on life. “As you grow older, you understand relationships, life and people better,” the actor says, adding, “You begin to understand that time is valuable. Now, I don’t want to waste time, I’d rather spend it with people I love and whose company I enjoy.”

This year, Morea had a working birthday on the sets of Housefull 5, something he considers a good omen. While he was part of web shows like Mentalhood (2020) and South films, this marks his first featuring role in a Hindi film after Pyaar Impossible (2010).

Ask about his absence from the big screen and the actor shares, “There were really some terrible movies being offered — and I’m not exaggerating. But if I would have taken on those films, I would have dug my grave even deeper. So, I had to sit at home and work on my skills.”

He admits there were times when his insecurities kicked in: “When I said no to films and people questioned my absence, I would think, ‘Should I take up subpar projects just to be seen?’ There were times when I questioned what I could do as films are all I know. That’s why I began producing, to stay close to the industry.”

Given his newfound outlook on relationships, coupled with the fact the he played a single father in Mentalhood, does he now seek to embrace parenthood in real life? “Not as a single dad, [but] I want to find a partner at some point in the near future. I’d love to have children. Soon, I might change my mind, find a partner and have kids; you never know. When that happens, I’ll announce it,” he says.

Despite the lows, Morea reveals that he is in a much better space in life, mentally and professionally. “I want to have fun in every moment, as well as hustle hard and figure out my purpose in life. Ultimately, I am happy and that’s the most important thing,” the actor wraps ups.