I want to go to Hollywood !

In an industry filled with Kumars and Khannas and Khans, a name like Dino Morea he is a regular aberration. But Dino Morea is also a regular nice guy. There is something about the guy that makes you take an immediate liking to him. Maybe because he is not overtly ‘filmy' (maybe that will come with time). Or maybe because you can hold a genuinely intelligent conversation with him. Or then again, maybe because he is just what he appears to be – a regular nice guy. .

He got this very earthy way of talking to you. No nakhras, no istyle. A guy who immediately puts you at ease. And a guy who relates to people. Those who have interviewed him before will vouch for is sharp memory. He not only remembers faces and names, but often also snatches of conversation you've had with him two years ago. .

Dino Morea, the Bangalore lad, with an Italian dad and Indian mother, top model, turned actor will soon be seen in the murder thriller Sssshhh... The film will be released on October 24, 2003 and all eyes are on Dino.

Q. You have been telling people that in Sssshhh... you are playing yourself.
Ans. (Laughs), You see, in Sssshhh... . I play ‘Rocky' who is a prankster, a fun person. Shooting for the film reminded me of my college days when we too indulged in loads of fun and games and pranks. For once, I was doing a role that was so close to me.

Q. But we thought Sssshhh.. is a dark, haunting thriller.
Ans. Sssshhh... is a thriller, no doubt, a murder mystery. But it is not a mindless slasher flick. There are light moments, romance, a love triangle, beautiful songs. I won't compare it to Teesri Manzil, but it is like that. It's about seven friends and the film starts with the murder of Tanisha's elder sister. Each one of us is a suspect. I've seen the rushes and the film is looking stunning. It is beautifully shot and the story is superb.

Q. How do you rate yourself in the film?
Ans.It is for others to rate me. I only know that I am improving with every movie. I am more confident now. Pavanji (Director Pavan Kaul) has been praising my work. That is a big boost for me. But I can say that I have a good role in the film and I have worked hard and gone through a lot for the movie.

Yes, especially a near-death experience.

Man, that was scary. It was a nightmare, to put it mildly.

Q. What happened that day?
Ans. Pavanji was driving me, Tanisha, Gaurav, to the location. It was a cold morning and the roads had a frozen ice all over. We were going very slowly. A little later we saw a truck heading towards us Pavanji applied the brakes to reduce speed. The wheels locked. We lost control and the car began to skid. We were helpless. The car turned a whole180 degrees and then crashed through the edge-markers and toppled over. The car rolled over four to five times and came to rest 50 fifty away from the road on the banks of the Beas river.

Q. Were you badly hurt?
Ans. When the car was toppling over I thought, "this is it". In those few seconds all the important people in my life, memories and regrets flashed in front of me. Then I blacked out. When I regained consciousness I was aching all over and couldn't walk or stand. Tanisha had fallen out of the window and was badly bleeding and unconscious. Pavanji had broken a arm. But I couldn't do anything. Fortunately another unit jeep was following us. They took us to the local hospital. Lying in the bed I thought of my life and what I done with it and what I would do from now on. It felt great to be alive. Next day we flew to Apollo Hospital in Delhi. We were badly hurt but nothing that couldn't be patched up. I had a hairline fracture on my cheek.

Q. How has your outlook to life changed after the accident?
Ans. The accident has brought me closer to life. After the accident I have learnt to forgive and forget. I have realised that one should get over petty things. I have rediscovered my family. Everything is destined. I believe I was saved because I was destined to.

Q. Is that also your philosophy towards your career?
Ans. Yes. When my debut film Pyar Mein Kabhie Kabhie bombed I thought my innings in Bollywood was over. But then Raaz became a big hit and I was accepted. People said I did not have Indian looks. That I did not speak Hindi. All true. But, well, I have survived and succeeded.

Q. How many films do you have on hand?
Ans. Sssshhh... will release on October 24. Then there is Plan and Ishq Hai Tumse. I also have a great role – negative – in Mahesh Manjrekar's Rath with Sanjay Dutt. I play a wife-beater, a real bizarre character. I have many offers but these days I am choosy. I want my films to have an impact.

Q. Do you consider yourself a good actor?
Ans. I am an infant just learning to walk. But I do consider myself a good learner. I know I have a long way to go. But I do plan to widen my horizons. I am looking at crossover films and I am in talks. Hollywood has always fascinated me and I think one can always hope to get there. Everything is destined. If you have to go there, you will go there. And I hope to go there.