Mumbai, March 4 Bollywood actress Lara Dutta Bhupathi, who is currently in Dubai with her daughter and former tennis star Mahesh Bhupathi, said on Wednesday that she is feeling "nervous" and "stressed" due to the ongoing conflict and is hoping to return to Mumbai.
The actress said she had traveled to Dubai, which has been like a home to her for the past three years, for a brand-related commitment when the Israel-Iran war began. She recalled hearing explosions and seeing missiles being intercepted while she was at a studio.
"It has been a stressful time. We are nervous, and it has been frightening. There are many fighter jets flying overhead, and there are loud booms. Although we live in a villa in a very safe neighborhood, the windows shake, the house and doors rattle, and it is unsettling. But I haven't felt unsafe, not even once," the actress said in a video clip, admitting that the nervous energy compelled her to make the statement.
Tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply after the United States and Israel launched a coordinated offensive against Iran on February 28. Tehran responded by firing drones and missiles at Israel, US military installations across the Gulf region, and the global business hub of Dubai.
She praised the UAE government and said they are doing an "incredible" job and that they are being "looked after" and "protected" regardless of nationality.
“…We feel like we are valued, that we matter. The UAE government, as someone living in this city, is making sure they do everything in their power to protect us and keep us safe," Dutta said.
The actress expressed her admiration for the workforce, from her gardener to delivery riders, and said she has immense respect for the everyday heroes who keep the country running.
She said they are looking at flights back to India, but they are not available.
"We are trying to get back to Mumbai, especially because the children are more nervous, and so are we. We are trying to get out," an emotional Dutta said.
"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 one, no civilian, deserves to live in fear or be caught up in a war that is destabilizing an entire region," she said.
Dutta said she is hoping that "common sense and better judgement will prevail."
Friends and colleagues from the film industry commented on Dutta’s post.
"I'm glad you're safe, Lara, and credit where credit is due to the UAE govt," actor Richa Chadha said.
Actor Sudhanshu Pandey said, "Lara, my dearest, stay strong, everything will be alright. Stay together, stay strong, this will be over soon."
Earlier, actors Esha Gupta and Sonal Chauhan were stranded in the UAE and have safely returned to India.
