Kamal Ghorui
Lara Dutta, who is currently in Dubai with her daughter and former tennis star Mahesh Bhupathi, has opened up about feeling “nervous” and “stressed” amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. She said she is hoping to return to Mumbai soon.The actress shared that she had travelled to Dubai — a city she has called home for the past three years — for a brand commitment when the Israel-Iran war escalated. Recalling the tense atmosphere, she said she heard explosions and saw missiles being intercepted while she was inside a studio.
“I can’t lie, it’s been stressful days. We are nervous and it’s been scary. Lots of fighter jets flying overhead, lots of loud booms. Though we live in a villa in a very safe neighbourhood, the windows shake, the house and the doors rattle, and it’s unnerving. But I haven’t felt unsafe, not even once,” she said in a video message.
‘We feel protected,’ says Lara, praises UAE government
Tensions intensified after the United States and Israel launched a coordinated offensive against Iran on February 28, with Tehran retaliating by firing drones and missiles toward Israel, US military bases in the Gulf region and Dubai.Despite the situation, Lara praised the UAE authorities, calling their efforts “incredible.” She said residents, irrespective of nationality, are being “looked after” and “protected.”“We feel like we count, we matter. The UAE government, as somebody living in this city, is making sure they do everything in their power to protect us and keep us safe,” she added.The actor also expressed admiration for essential workers — from her gardener to delivery riders — saying she has immense respect for the everyday heroes who keep the country running despite uncertainty.
‘We are trying to get back to Mumbai’
Lara revealed that she and her family are exploring flight options to India, but tickets have been difficult to secure.“We are trying to get back to Mumbai, more so because the kids are a lot more nervous. We are as well, even as grown-ups. We are trying to get out,” she said emotionally.Drawing parallels, she added, “I was in India when India and Pakistan went to war, and we saw how well our country protected us then. And it’s the same here. No civilian deserves to live in fear or be caught up in a war that is destabilising an entire region.”She concluded by expressing hope that “common sense and better judgement would prevail.”Several friends from the film fraternity reacted to her post. Richa Chadha commented, “I’m glad you’re safe, Lara, and credit where credit is due to the UAE govt.” Sudhanshu Pandey wrote, “Lara my dearest, you hang in there, all will be well. Stay together stay strong, this will be over soon.” Earlier, Esha Gupta and Sonal Chauhan were also stranded in the UAE and have since safely returned to India.
