Dino Morea believes that had social media been as prevalent during the release of "Raaz" in 2002 as it is today, he would have experienced a surge in popularity comparable to that of Bobby Deol and Akshaye Khanna. Morea, who starred alongside Bipasha Basu in the hit thriller, reflected on how the absence of social media during his initial rise to fame shaped his career and public perception.

In a recent interview, Morea shared his insights on the differences between the entertainment industry then and now. He noted that in the early 2000s, exposure was primarily limited to television, news channels, and Page 3 features. This meant that the public's perception of actors was carefully curated and controlled by traditional media outlets.

Morea expressed that social media's instant connectivity and direct engagement with audiences would have significantly amplified his reach after "Raaz." He believes the film was a game-changer for him, solidifying his position in the industry. "Raaz" resonated with audiences across India and even internationally, establishing Morea as a prominent figure in Bollywood. The film's success led to widespread recognition and congratulatory messages from industry peers.

He envisions that with social media, he could have built a more personal connection with fans, shared behind-the-scenes glimpses, and addressed rumors directly, thus cultivating a stronger fan base. He stated that he feels his stars are aligning again, and this time, he is much more prepared. When he got his first film and when he got "Raaz," he wasn't really aware of the industry. He came in unknowing, learning and finding his feet on the way and was not really guided well.

Morea started his career as a model in the 1990s, working with leading fashion brands. His acting debut was in the television series "Captain Vyom," which was followed by roles in films such as "Kandukondain Kandukondain". "Raaz," however, proved to be a turning point, propelling him and co-star Bipasha Basu to stardom.

Despite the success of "Raaz," Morea faced his share of challenges. He recounted an incident where he was replaced in a film just ten days before shooting was scheduled to begin, discovering the news in a newspaper. While such occurrences were not uncommon in the industry, Morea's managers advised him against pursuing the matter to avoid potential repercussions with influential filmmakers.

In recent years, Morea has found renewed success through OTT (Over-The-Top) platforms, with roles in series like "Mentalhood," "Hostages," "Tandav," "The Empire," and "Kaun Banegi Shikharwati". These projects have allowed him to explore diverse characters and connect with a new audience.

Morea's reflections highlight the evolving landscape of Bollywood and the significant impact of social media on an actor's career trajectory. While he acknowledges the opportunities he may have missed in the pre-social media era, he remains focused on the present and future, embracing new platforms and challenges with a renewed sense of purpose.