Dino-Lara split, courtesy Nandi

Morea ex's hovering presence around the actor apparently drove Dutta and him apart

Lara Dutta and Dino Morea have split. As reported earlier ('Trouble in paradise'; Hitlist, April 1), things had taken a turn for the worse for the B-Town couple.

A source reveals, "They have decided to go their separate ways. The main reason for it is Dino's former girlfriend, designer Nandita Mahtani's presence in his life.

It was Lara who took the decision (to split)."

It is learnt that the couple's relationship was further strained after Lara's ex Kelly Dorje spilled the beans about the two in a film magazine.

Obvious flirting

Adds the source, "They have been fighting for the last few months. Lara has been watching Dino's proximity to Nandita with much disdain.

A few months ago, Lara had walked out of Shah Rukh's party at Mannat because Nandi was trying to get intimate with Morea.

Apparently, Dino and Nandi have never gotten over each other. Even at Amrita Arora's sangeet last month, she was spotted all over Dino with Lara also at the bash.

Dino did not object to Nandi's overtures. She kept adjusting the actor's shirt, touching his face, etc it was obvious to onlookers that she was flirting with him."

The source continues, "Lara told Dino to sort out the Nandi issue and tell her he was in a relationship with her. Though Dino told Nandi, he did it halfheartedly, upsetting Lara.

Akele, akele...

Informs the source, "Dino and Lara have been attending events alone. Lara was seen at Vikram Chatwal and Queenie Dhody's party on March 28 solo.

Dino was hardly seen at the recent Fashion Week. Lara has been telling friends bitterly that 'all men are like that.' She means none of them can be faithful."

It is also learnt that Dino has been trying to contact Lara for the past week for a reconciliation. But she was busy shooting in Thailand for Blue.

In fact, Lara has stopped taking Dino's calls. She's also upset with the fact that Kelly, who has been a good friend has broken off all contact with her because of Dino."

When contacted, Lara maintains, "I never commented on my personal life earlier. I won't start doing that now."
Meanwhile, Dino remained unavailable for comment.