Actor Dino Morea is pleased. His forthcoming film "Holiday", by Pooja Bhatt, is to be released on his birthday, Dec 9, and he has already bagged a role in her next venture.

Dino has split with his lovely 'other' of several years Nandita Mahtani. Though the two underwent several periods of trial separation, they were essentially seen as an inseparable couple.

But now they've moved into separate directions, and this time it's for keeps.

That explains Dino's new prank-free sober and reflective mood.

"Is it?" he chuckles with habitual light-heartedness. "It's true that we aren't seeing each other any longer. But we're still very close friends. I'll be there for her whenever she needs me. I was there for her at the launch of her boutique earlier this week. There's no one else right now. I know it's corny to say I'm married to my work. But that's how it is," Dino told.

"Pooja Bhatt is giving me a very nice present on my birthday. If all goes well she's releasing 'Holiday' on Dec 9, the day I was, fortunately or unfortunately, born.

"And not just that. I play a dancer on the lines of John Travolta in 'Saturday Night Fever' in Pooja's next."

On his career front Dino is most pleased with the ground being covered. "I'm really happy with the direction it's taken. Pooja Bhatt's direction, that is," he puns deviously.

"'Holiday' has shaped up very well. And now I'm doing another film for Pooja where I play a dancer. I worked really hard on 'Holiday'. For eight months I rehearsed my dance steps."

Everyone is talking about his dancing skills in "Holiday".

"Oh that was always there! I always danced well. But I never got a chance to display my dancing skills before. How would people know what I can do until I show them?

"Like, how would anyone know I could pull off comedy? That's precisely what I'm doing in Deepak Tijori's 'Tom Dick & Harry' and I ain't Dick. I play Tom. The movie will stand out big time. If 'No Entry' can tickle audiences they'll be falling out of their seats with this film."

A project with Dharmesh Darshan is also on the anvil.

"That's how eclectic my career is - from Dharmesh to Pooja. I'm entering the best phase of my career."

As for expanding his other interests, Dino already runs a very successful eatery Crepe Station with his brother.

"Now I plan to start a night club with a friend. He's very keen. He wants me to be the face of his club. Since I don't have to put in any money, I've nothing to lose. I'm just required to bring in the right people."

Dino sighs. "I'm making enough money. I'm working hard. I'm shooting every day. Not every actor in Bollywood can claim to do that."