Stranded in UAE for 4 days, Indian actress Swasika touches down in Kochi: 'Everything was under control'

[Editor's Note: Follow Khaleej Times live blog amid Israeli, US strikes on Iran for the latest regional developments.]

To the outside world it may have been an extraordinary situation, but for Indian actress Swasika it felt business as usual.

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The Malayalam and Tamil actress, who was stranded in the UAE for nearly a week amid flight cancellations following geopolitical developments in the region, reached the south Indian metropolis of Kochi early on March 4. Addressing reporters outside the airport, the Lubber Pandhu and Porinju Mariam Jose star said she felt the situation in the country felt normal.

"Heavy panic situation is not there, but still, as we are from another country, so definitely we will get (sic) a little panic. I was supposed to come on February 28," she told the media, reassuring that all was well. "Everything was under control. Everyone around me was very supportive."

Swasika was in Abu Dhabi for a private event. Her husband Prem Jacob, who was also present outside Kochi airport, said the fact that she was alone in the country lent an element of nervousness.

"All the shops and (other establishments) were open," he said, adding that nothing felt out of place.

Jacob underlined the fact that the UAE government was doing everything to ensure normalcy, and that there were no problems with food or accommodation.

Earlier in the day, the actress posted an update on Instagram, saying she was heading back home. "Kochi, I'm coming back finallyyyy," she captioned it.

Swasika's views echo those of other Indian celebrities, including Badminton champion PV Sindhu and Bollywood actress Esha Gupta, who lauded the UAE government for ensuring that those who were stranded in the country were made to feel welcome and safe.

"The last few days have been intense and uncertain, but I’m truly grateful to be back to my house," Sindhu wrote on X. "A heartfelt thank you to the incredible ground teams, Dubai authorities, airport staff, immigration, and every single person who stepped up and took such good care of us during a very difficult time. The empathy and professionalism meant more than words can say."

Gupta, who was back in Delhi early this week, thanked the UAE government for "working in solidarity with every country for the citizens of the world".

In addition, several high-profile celebrities connected to the country have taken to social media to express solidarity and call for unity.