Rochelle Rao, former Miss India and television presenter, has safely returned to Mumbai after a tense few days in Dubai with her husband, actor Keith Sequeira, and their two-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Josephine. The family landed on March 4 on an evacuation flight as the Iran-Israel conflict escalated, creating uncertainty across parts of the Middle East.
In an interview with Mid-Day, Rochelle opened up about her experience of being in the UAE while tensions were rising. She revealed that she had entered Dubai just a day before the situation intensified, calling herself fortunate for the timing. The family had planned a week-long stay in Al Barsha, looking forward to a relaxed holiday.
However, the trip quickly took an unexpected turn. On the very first day of their vacation, Rochelle stepped out for a walk along the Marina when she witnessed something she never imagined she would see so closely — a missile being detonated overhead.
She recalled, “We were confused because we didn’t know whether it was really it since we had just heard about the conflict. We could hear loud booms and see clouds of smoke and shrapnel from the missiles falling. It was very nerve-wracking and scary.”
Despite the alarming visuals and sounds, Rochelle said their stay in Dubai remained largely comfortable. According to her, the panic seemed greater among Indians watching developments from afar than among those actually present in the city. She noted that the UAE government was proactive in sending messages, urging residents not to spread misinformation on social media and to remain calm.
“There was more panic for Indians outside of Dubai listening to the news than for those of us who were within the country,” she shared. “Even though it was a highly stressful situation, things were kept calm. There wasn’t immediate police showing up or any of that."
On March 4, Rochelle, Keith and little Josephine boarded an evacuation flight to Mumbai. While she chose not to disclose specific details about the flight or the airline due to security concerns, she mentioned that it was the only flight preparing to depart from Dubai at that time — making their return feel even more urgent and surreal.
What stayed with her most, however, was not just the fear but the unexpected sense of togetherness. Rochelle spoke about how, amid the unfolding crisis, people from different nationalities stood united in their shared hope for peace.
“I’m sorry if this sounds politically incorrect,” she added, “but there were Pakistanis and Bangladeshis with us, and in that moment, no one felt like an enemy.”
Her words reflect how, even during moments of geopolitical tension, ordinary people often come together in solidarity.
Meanwhile, several other Indian celebrities were reportedly stranded in Dubai as tensions escalated in the region, including Sonal Chauhan, Esha Gupta and Vishnu Manchu, among others.
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