Mumbai, March 3 Actor Esha Gupta said on Tuesday that she had safely returned to India after being stranded in the United Arab Emirates amid escalating tensions due to the Israel-US attack on Iran.
"Back home. Thank you all for your prayers and wishes. It was very tough to be in the situation we all faced. Truly, it was a blessing to be safe," Gupta said in a statement posted on Instagram.
Tensions in the Middle East have escalated following a coordinated offensive launched by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28. Iran responded by firing drones and missiles at Israel and US military installations across the Gulf, as well as at Dubai, a global business hub.
The actor, best known for "Jannat 2," "Rustom," and "Total Dhamaal," also recounted the tense atmosphere at the Abu Dhabi airport.
"It started when I was at the airport on Saturday, February 28th. By 1 p.m., the airport was closed, and there was chaos everywhere as none of us knew what had happened. Then, news started coming in about the missile attack, and no one knew what the next few minutes would bring. Strangers consoled each other, and everyone was calling their families back home," Gupta said.
The actor praised the "strength" and "composure" of the Abu Dhabi International Airport staff and added that ground security and airport personnel acted quickly to maintain order.
"I hadn't checked in myself by then, so I took a turn and left for my hotel in Abu Dhabi," she said, adding that passengers were provided with accommodations at available hotels and highlighting the dedication of the hotel staff during such a tense situation.
She further said that the hotel management patiently answered all their questions to the best of their ability, and that there was no shortage of any service.
"The lobby was full of people, including us, who were scared due to the security alert, but there was no chaos. The hotel security kept reassuring everyone. We were all in this together," Gupta said and even thanked the airline staff for their assistance.
"All this shows the strength and backbone of a country; they took action when needed, without blaming anyone. Thank you to everyone who helped and is helping people from all over the world get back home. Your country is truly special," she said.
Gupta concluded her post by thanking everyone who helped ensure her safe return.
"Thank you to our government for providing reassurance and working towards getting us all back. Thank you to the UAE government for working in solidarity with every country for the citizens of the world," she said.
Actor Sonal Chauhan also updated her fans and admirers that she is heading back home after being stranded in Dubai.
The actor shared the update through her Instagram Stories with a few videos showing her travelling in a car on her way to the airport, with the song ‘Coming Home’ by Skylar Grey playing in the background.
