Actor Lara Dutta has opened up about the unsettling days she experienced in Dubai amid escalating tensions in the Middle East following the conflict between the United States and Iran.
Currently in Dubai with her daughter Saira, the actor said the situation has been stressful and nerve-racking, though she emphasised that authorities in the UAE have ensured residents remain safe.
Explosions and missiles seen overhead
In a heartfelt post on Instagram, Lara revealed that she had travelled to Dubai for a brand commitment when the conflict intensified.
She said the situation became alarming when she began hearing explosions while shooting at a studio.
“Since the start of what’s being called the Israel–Iran war, we’ve been here in Dubai, which has become my home. I was shooting at a studio when we started hearing overhead explosions and saw missiles being intercepted,” she shared.
The actor admitted the past few days have been stressful, especially since her daughter is with her in Dubai while her husband, former tennis player Mahesh Bhupathi, was away for work.
Shaking windows and fighter jets
Describing the tense atmosphere, Lara said fighter jets flying overhead and loud explosions created frightening moments.
“We live in a villa in a very safe neighbourhood, but the windows shake, and the house and doors rattle. It’s unnerving,” she said.
Despite the dramatic scenes, the actor clarified that she never felt unsafe during the situation.
Praise for UAE authorities
Lara also expressed gratitude to the UAE government for ensuring safety and maintaining calm during the crisis.
“The UAE government has done an incredible job. Residents feel looked after and protected regardless of nationality or background,” she said.
She also acknowledged the everyday resilience of workers such as delivery personnel and local staff who continued their routines despite the tense situation.
Others also affected by travel disruptions
Meanwhile, Joyce Polycarp, mother of actors Malaika Arora and Amrita Arora, also shared that she was stranded in Dubai due to flight cancellations caused by the conflict.
She said it was frightening to witness missiles being intercepted in the sky but praised Dubai authorities for maintaining security.
Earlier, actors Esha Gupta and Sonal Chauhan, who were also stuck in the UAE due to travel disruptions, have safely returned to India.
Flights gradually resume
Amid the ongoing tensions, authorities in the UAE have begun operating limited flights to assist stranded passengers.
Dubai Airports confirmed that a small number of flights have resumed from Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), while additional special flights may be arranged depending on the situation.
As regional tensions continue, many travellers and residents are hoping for stability and the safe resumption of normal travel.