Lara Dutta in Dubai amid Israel–Iran conflict, says ‘fighter jets and loud booms’ heard across city
Bollywood actor Lara Dutta has shared her experience of being in Dubai amid escalating tensions in the Middle East following the ongoing Israel–Iran conflict, revealing that the past few days have been tense with fighter jets flying overhead and loud explosions heard across the city.
In a video posted on social media, the actor said the situation has been stressful, especially since she is currently in Dubai with her daughter, Saira. Dutta had travelled to the UAE for work when the regional conflict intensified, leading to heightened security and military activity across parts of the Middle East.
Describing what she witnessed, Dutta said the atmosphere in the city has been unsettling. She mentioned hearing frequent sounds of fighter jets and loud booms that made the windows and doors of her home shake. Despite the nerve-racking moments, she emphasised that she never felt unsafe during her stay.
“I can’t lie — it’s been stressful. Lots of fighter jets flying overhead, lots of loud booms,” she said, adding that although the noises were unnerving, the family lives in a secure neighbourhood. She noted that even when the blasts made the house rattle, she still felt reassured about safety.
Dutta also revealed that she initially realised the seriousness of the situation while she was working at a studio in Dubai. According to the actor, she and others stepped outside after hearing explosions and saw missiles being intercepted in the sky, which heightened concerns about the escalating conflict.
The actor is currently in Dubai with her daughter while her husband, former tennis player Mahesh Bhupathi, is away for work. She said they have been trying to find flights back to Mumbai but have faced difficulties due to travel disruptions linked to the regional tensions.
Despite the anxiety caused by the situation, Dutta praised the UAE authorities for maintaining calm and ensuring safety for residents and visitors. She expressed gratitude to the government and local administration for their efforts in protecting people during the crisis, saying residents have felt “looked after and protected regardless of nationality.”
The actor also expressed hope that peace will prevail soon, stressing that no one deserves to live in fear. Her video has since gone viral on social media, with fans and fellow celebrities sending messages of support and wishing for her safe return to India.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran has triggered heightened tensions across the region, with reports of explosions and missile interceptions in several Middle Eastern cities, raising concerns among residents and travellers alike.