Erica Fernandes praises UAE government amid crisis; Nora Fatehi urges peace amid regional unrest

The world is inching towards war, with seven countries attacking each other. Many Indians are stranded in several parts of the world. Indian actors residing in the UAE, Dubai and other parts of the region have taken to social media to condemn the loss of lives and the attacks by the US-Israel on Iran.

Israel recently carried out strikes against Iran, killing its Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. In retaliation, Iran intensified strikes at US air bases across Qatar, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Jordan.

On Sunday evening, March 1, fresh explosions were heard across Gulf cities, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Manama, as Iran continued its retaliatory strikes following the death of its Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.

Television actress Erica Fernandes, known for her role as Sonakshi Bose in Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi, has been residing in Dubai since 2023. The actor addressed the ongoing situation amid escalating tensions following Iran’s attacks on US allies in the Middle East, targeting the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia in response to strikes on Iranian territory on February 28.

In an interview with Hindustan Times, Erica said, “The sounds of interceptions are real, and they’re jarring. People around me, friends and family, have been watching this unfold with their own eyes, and that’s a difficult thing to process. There’s no sugar coating it, it’s scary.”

Further praising the UAE government, she said they have handled the crisis incredibly well and that living in Dubai and seeing how quickly and effectively the government responded has been genuinely reassuring.

The 32-year-old actress said she is staying calm amid the escalating tensions, confirming that she is safe and following all local authority guidelines, as that is the best course of action.

“My heart goes out to everyone going through this, wherever you are. We’re taking it one moment at a time,” she concluded.

Nora Fatehi advises citizens to stay united

Nora Fatehi also spoke about the ongoing unrest in the Middle East. She uploaded a video on her Instagram handle, assuring that she is safe in India at the moment.

Nora expressed her distress about the ongoing situation, saying that all people really want is peace and stability, not fear.

“I know that people are internally having some sort of fear of what’s gonna come tomorrow, and after seeing these visuals of what’s happening in the region, I do feel terrible because we don’t want innocent people’s lives to be lost, and I think we’ve had enough of that. All we’ve been seeing consistently year after year is one chaotic event after another, one war after another, one genocide after another.” Nora further advised all to keep faith in God and stay united.

“We need to be united in peace if we’re going to fight this psychological and spiritual warfare because essentially that is what is going on. This is a psychological and spiritual warfare, and if we’re going to fight this, we have to be united and we have to be grounded and we have to keep our faith in God and we need to stay prayed up.”

She further predicted that things might escalate further, leading to a massive shift of power, followed by the emergence of a new world order.

Nora reiterated that, “We want to live peaceful lives. We want to just go on with our day, and we just want to make a living and we just want to enjoy living. That’s all we want to do.”

She added that these chaotic events from the last couple of years have instilled uncertainty and fear within people.

“We’re constantly in a state of fear and panic, even if we don’t show it, internally we are. So, all I have to say is stay united, stay prayed up. This is really, really upsetting.”

Bollywood actor Esha Gupta, who is currently in Abu Dhabi amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, shared an update on social media and assured fans about her safety.

Calling the situation scary and tough, Esha Gupta took to her Instagram Stories and wrote, “To everyone checking in and messaging, I’m sorry for not replying. We are ok, we are safe! Times are scary, very tough. God is there to protect us.”

She continued and lauded the Indian government, “We trust the @modgovae is doing the best in protecting and interception.” She added, “Praying for everyone affected. All those stranded and safety for all above all. Hope to be home soon..”

Apart from Esha Gupta, actor Sonal Chauhan is also stranded in Dubai amid the conflict. After fights were cancelled, she reached out to PM Modi on social media for help and requested her safety.

“Hon’ble PM @narendramodi ji I am currently stranded in Dubai amid the ongoing crisis. Flights have been cancelled and no clear way to return to India. I’m seeking the government’s guidance and support to help me get back home safely,” Sonal Chauhan wrote on social media.

She added, “I would be deeply grateful for any assistance from the Government and guidance for a safe return @meaindia @india_in_dubai.”