Actor Lara Dutta has shared an emotional video from Dubai amid rising tensions in the Middle East. The actress revealed that she has been feeling nervous and stressed as the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran escalates across the region.
Lara is currently in Dubai with her daughter Saira. In the video posted on Instagram, she spoke openly about the frightening moments she experienced while working in the city. The actress also said she is now trying to find a flight back to Mumbai.
The actor explained that she had travelled to Dubai for a brand commitment when the conflict began. The city has also been her home for the last three years. However, the sudden escalation of tensions has created a worrying situation for many residents and travellers.
Lara Dutta Recalls Hearing Explosions In Viral Video
In the viral video, Lara spoke about the moment she heard explosions while shooting at a studio in Dubai. The sudden sounds left many people shocked and worried.
She said, “We have been in Dubai since the start of this Israel-Iran war, what’s being termed the Israel-Iran war. UAE, Dubai has been my home now for the last three years. I have spent a considerable amount of time here. I was actually shooting on the 28th at a studio in Dubai…We started hearing the explosions overhead, ran out of the studio, and saw missiles being intercepted. It’s been a few, I can’t lie, stressful days. I have my daughter here with me, Mahesh was away for work, he wasn’t in Dubai thankfully.”
Lara’s husband (former tennis star Mahesh Bhupathi) was not in Dubai at the time. The actress said the last few days have been difficult, especially because her daughter is with her during this tense situation.
Despite the fear, Lara praised the authorities in the United Arab Emirates for ensuring people’s safety. She said, “I just want to say that the UAE government has done an incredible job. I think, for every single person – I won’t speak for anybody else – we felt really looked after. We felt wanted, we felt protected, regardless of our nationality or where we’re from.”
She also thanked everyday workers who continue to do their jobs despite the situation. “We feel like we count, we matter. The UAE government, as a resident, as somebody living in this city, is making sure they do everything in their power to protect us and keep us safe. I’m amazed my gardener has been showing up every day mowing up my lawn, watering the plants.”
Searching For Flights To Return Mumbai
Towards the end of the video, Lara became emotional while talking about the situation. She admitted that the experience has been scary, especially for children.
She added, “I’ve so much respect and admiration for just ordinary, normal people who don’t have a choice of looking at wanting to get out, who are keeping this country running. We are actually looking at flights; there aren’t too many, but there are some, Etihad and Emirates. But we are looking at flights to try and get back to Mumbai. More so because I think the kids are a lot more nervous about this, we are as well as grown-ups. We keep it together for the kids. So we are looking at flights and trying to get out by some means. We will figure it out.”
The actress also spoke about another tense situation she experienced earlier. She concluded by saying, “I was in India when India and Pakistan went to war. We saw how well our country protected us there. It’s the same here… No civilian deserves to live in fear or to be caught up in a war that is destabilising the entire region. I hope common sense will prevail. Better judgment will prevail with everybody who’s making these decisions. Until then. We continue.”
Many friends from the film industry reacted to her post. Actor Richa Chadha wrote, “I’m glad you’re safe, Lara, and credit where credit is due to the UAE govt.” Actor Sudhanshu Pandey commented, “Lara, my dearest, you hang in there, all will be well. Stay together stay strong, this will be over soon.”
Earlier, actors Esha Gupta and Sonal Chauhan were also stranded in the UAE during the rising tensions. However, they have now safely returned to India.
Meanwhile, the ongoing conflict in West Asia intensified after US and Israeli strikes reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei along with several senior officials. Iran later responded by launching ballistic missiles and drones at US assets and allies across the region, including Israel and several Gulf nations.
