Spotted Together with Malaika Arora Again – Fans Are Convinced They’re Dating; The Pair Go Way Back to Modelling Days
New Delhi: Scroll through the comments under any recent photo of Dino Morea and you will quickly see the same reactions: heart-eye emojis, “husband material,” “still so hot at 50,” and “my forever crush.” Many women still openly admit that they find him attractive.
The model-turned-actor once ruled the Indian modelling scene as Bollywood’s original chocolate boy. He has remained a favourite among fans even after several decades in the industry. In 2026, Dino has returned to the spotlight not only because of his acting projects but also because of his looks, fitness and style.
His recent appearances have also revived rumours about his relationship with Malaika Arora.
So, who is Dino Morea? Why do so many women still consider him a crush? What has he achieved in his career? Who has he dated? And are he and Malaika Arora actually dating?
Here is everything you need to know.
Who Is Dino Morea?
Dino Morea was born Dinanath Mohan Ravi Shankar Morea on December 9, 1975, in Bangalore. His father is Italian, while his mother has roots in Kerala.
Dino spent part of his childhood in Italy before returning to India. He studied at Bangalore Military School and Clarence High School and later attended St. Joseph’s College.
His mixed heritage, sharp features and strong physique helped him stand out when he entered the Indian modelling industry.
In the mid-1990s, Dino won the Gladrags Manhunt Contest. He later became the first Indian to finish as the runner-up at Manhunt International.
His success quickly attracted brands and magazines. He became one of the most popular faces of the “chocolate boy” era. His height, fitness and quiet confidence made him especially popular among fans.
Many women considered him one of India’s hottest supermodels. His move from modelling to acting soon followed.
Dino Morea’s Acting Career
Dino made his television debut with Captain Vyom in 1998. He made his film debut with Pyaar Mein Kabhi Kabhi in 1999.
His major breakthrough came with the 2002 romantic horror film Raaz, in which he starred opposite Bipasha Basu. The film became a major commercial success and established Dino as a leading actor.
He later appeared in films such as Gunaah, Aksar, Holiday and Tom Dick and Harry.
He also appeared in Happy New Year and worked in South Indian films such as Agent and Bandra.
Dino later expanded his work to streaming platforms. He appeared in shows such as Hostages, Tandav and The Empire. He won an ITA Award for The Empire.
His recent projects include Mere Husband Ki Biwi and Housefull 5.
Alongside acting, Dino has developed business interests and worked in the café and investment space. He also continues to focus heavily on fitness and wellness.
Why Do Women Still Find Dino Morea So Attractive?
Dino has maintained the physical appearance and style that made him popular decades ago.
At 50, he continues to share workout photographs and stylish red-carpet appearances. His fitness, grooming, fashion and confidence continue to attract attention on social media.
Many women describe him as their “ultimate crush,” “still the hottest” and someone who has “aged like fine wine.”
Fitness pages often highlight his physique, while lifestyle features sometimes compare his style with that of a James Bond character.
Whenever Dino attends an event or steps out in Mumbai, photographers quickly follow him. Social media users then fill the comments with reactions to his appearance.
His popularity does not come only from nostalgia. He continues to maintain the same combination of fitness, style and confidence that made him popular during his modelling days.
For women who grew up watching him in the 1990s and 2000s, Dino remains a familiar celebrity crush. Younger fans have also discovered his appeal through his recent work and social media presence.
Dino Morea’s Past Relationships
Dino has never married.
His most famous relationship involved actress Bipasha Basu. The two reportedly dated from the mid-1990s until around 2002. They also worked together in Raaz.
Dino later dated Lara Dutta for a short period. He also had a long relationship with designer Nandita Mahtani, which ended in 2017.
Over the years, Dino has spoken openly about relationships, love and heartbreak. He has described relationships as opportunities for personal growth and has stressed the importance of having a strong relationship with yourself.
In early 2025, Dino confirmed that he was in a romantic relationship when he responded, “There might be, yes.”
He also called marriage a “social construct” and said he would consider marriage if he met the right person.
However, Dino has never publicly revealed the identity of the person he was dating.
What Is Dino Morea’s Connection With Malaika Arora?
Dino Morea and Malaika Arora have known each other for years.
They belong to the same Bollywood social circles and have spent time around Bandra, where both have had strong connections over the years.
They have attended the same events, fashion shows and social gatherings. Photographers have also captured them greeting each other, hugging, smiling and talking comfortably.
Their friendship became a bigger topic of discussion in late 2024 and into 2025 after photographers spotted them together on several occasions.
They attended dinners and events together, and cameras captured their comfortable interactions.
Those photographs quickly sparked the question: Are Malaika Arora and Dino Morea dating?
The rumours gained attention because both stars have experienced high-profile relationships and have spoken about companionship and personal independence.
Malaika ended her relationship with Arjun Kapoor in 2024. Dino also confirmed in 2025 that he was seeing someone, although he did not identify that person.
Some secondary sources and Wikipedia entries even listed Malaika and Dino as being in a relationship from early 2025. Those reports reflected the intense speculation surrounding the two at that time.
However, neither Malaika nor Dino has publicly confirmed that they are dating each other.
What Do Their Recent Sightings Actually Show?
Photographs of Malaika and Dino show two people who appear comfortable around each other.
Photographers have captured them leaving restaurants, greeting each other at events and posing for pictures.
Their body language shows familiarity and ease. However, these photographs alone cannot prove that they have a romantic relationship.
Longtime friends can behave in the same way. Romantic partners can also show similar comfort in public.
Without a statement from Malaika or Dino, people can interpret the photographs in different ways.
Entertainment websites often choose the romantic angle because dating stories attract more attention and clicks. However, the two stars have so far kept their specific relationship status private.
What Has Malaika Said About Dating?
Malaika has remained open about her views on relationships and independence.
After her divorce from Arbaaz Khan and her breakup with Arjun Kapoor, she has focused on her own life, work and happiness.
She continues to work in television, fitness and business while also raising her son, Arhaan.
Malaika has said that she does not feel pressure to find a partner.
She has also joked with Arhaan about the many dating rumours involving her. Rather than taking every rumour seriously, she often treats them as something to laugh about.
She remains open to companionship but does not actively search for a relationship.
Reports in 2025 and 2026 have also linked Malaika with businessman Harsh Mehta. Several reports have mentioned their night-outs, restaurant appearances, airport sightings and travel photographs.
These reports have added another layer to the speculation surrounding Malaika’s personal life.
Why Do the Malaika-Dino Rumours Keep Returning?
Malaika and Dino share several factors that naturally attract public attention.
Both have remained popular in Bollywood for decades. Both have had high-profile relationships. Both maintain strong fitness routines and public profiles, and both continue to attract attention because of their appearance and style.
Their shared social circles also make their meetings normal.
However, every time photographers capture them together, fans and entertainment websites revisit the dating rumours.
Some fans believe the two would make a good couple. Others insist that they are simply longtime friends.
The lack of an official statement leaves room for continued speculation.
Dino Morea remains one of Bollywood’s most recognisable former supermodels. At 50, he continues to attract attention because of his fitness, looks, style and screen presence.
He has built a career across modelling, films, television and streaming projects. He has also developed business interests outside acting.
Dino has confirmed that he is in a romantic relationship, but he has not revealed the identity of his partner.
Malaika Arora remains a longtime friend and industry associate. Their recent public appearances have once again triggered dating rumours.
However, neither Dino nor Malaika has officially confirmed that they are a couple.
Malaika has repeatedly emphasised her independence and said that she does not actively search for a partner. At the same time, reports have linked her with businessman Harsh Mehta.
For fans who simply admire Dino, the answer remains simple: he continues to turn heads, attract attention and make social media users stop scrolling.
For those following the Malaika angle, the facts remain equally simple. Their friendship is real, their public chemistry has attracted attention, but their romantic relationship remains unconfirmed.
Until either star decides to speak openly about the matter, fans will continue to speculate whenever they appear together.
In Bollywood, friendship and romance can look very similar from the outside. In Dino and Malaika’s case, the public record confirms their friendship but does not confirm a romantic relationship.
Mansi Sharma is a journalist covering Global Affairs, and wellness, known for turning complex ideas into sharp, engaging narratives. Her work is driven by curiosity, depth, and a constant urge to question and explore. When she’s not writing, you’ll often find her diving into new ideas—preferably with a cup of coffee in hand, one sip at a time.
