The recent escalation of hostilities between the US, Israel and Iran has caused major travel disruptions across the Middle East, leaving thousands of international travellers, including prominent showbiz figures, unable to leave key hubs such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
The clashes, which began with coordinated US-Israel strikes on Iranian targets on February 28, and were met with swift Iranian retaliation, have led to widespread airspace closures and mass flight cancellations, affecting both civilians and celebrities.
Among those stranded is Bengali film actress Subhashree Ganguly, who was in Dubai on a family holiday with her five-year-old son, Yuvaan, when the violence escalated. Her husband, filmmaker and Trinamool Congress MP Raj Chakraborty, confirmed that mother and child are staying in a Palm Jumeirah hotel, following advisories to remain indoors. Friends and relatives in the UAE are assisting them, but their return is indefinitely postponed as flights remain suspended.
Several Bollywood actors have also been affected. Esha Gupta, currently in Abu Dhabi, shared updates on social media, describing the situation as “scary” and “very tough” while reassuring fans that she and those with her are safe.
Nargis Fakhri, stranded in Dubai, spoke of the psychological strain of being in a conflict zone but emphasised that she remains unharmed.
Sonal Chauhan, known for her role in ‘Jannat’ and for starring opposite Dhallywood megastar Shakib Khan in ‘Dorod’/’Dard’, appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for assistance in returning to India. She later reassured followers that Dubai remains “the safest place” and urged calm.
Authorities in the UAE have stressed that residents and visitors should follow safety advisories closely as governments continue to monitor the situation. No reports of serious injuries among stranded entertainers have been confirm
