Kerala grandma, 70, goes viral for conquering Dubai skies in skydiving adventure
September 23, 2025 Dubai
Kerala Grandma, 70, Wins Hearts with Dubai Skydiving Adventure
Leela Jose P, a 70-year-old grandmother from Kerala, fulfilled her lifelong dream by skydiving over Dubai, proving age is no barrier to chasing thrills.
Kerala Grandma’s Leap of Faith Above Dubai
At 70, most people imagine a quiet life surrounded by family, traditions, and memories. But for Leela Jose P, a grandmother from the scenic Idukki district of Kerala, life had a different adventure in store. She recently went viral for conquering the skies of Dubai through a daring skydive, showing the world that age is truly just a number.
Her fearless leap from 13,000 feet above the Palm Jumeirah has made her an internet sensation, inspiring thousands across India and the UAE.
From Village Life to Skydiving Dreams
Leela, who lost her husband six years ago, has been making frequent trips to the UAE to visit her son, Aneesh, and daughter-in-law, Lintu. Like many homemakers from small Indian towns, her life was simple and traditional—but her heart always carried a spark of adventure.
“Whenever I saw a plane flying overhead, I used to wonder how people could jump from it. I didn’t even know it was called skydiving,” she recalled.
When she casually mentioned her wish to neighbors in Kerala, they laughed at her dream. But Leela didn’t let their mockery discourage her. Instead, she carried the thought with her, waiting for the right moment.
Family Support for a Daring Wish
That moment arrived in Dubai. One evening, while watching a drone show near Ain Dubai with her family, Leela brought up skydiving once more. At first, her son was shocked. But when she insisted, both Aneesh and Lintu encouraged her.
“My mother wouldn’t say it unless she truly wanted to. Let her do it,” Lintu told her husband.
The very next day, Aneesh booked the experience with Skydive Dubai. At first, staff thought Aneesh was the participant. When they discovered it was his 70-year-old mother, even the instructors were surprised.
Asked if she was sure, Leela confidently declared: “My age is not an issue. I want to jump.”
The Big Jump
On the day of the skydive, Leela joined a group of young participants. Though she felt shy when they smiled at her, her determination never wavered.
Her instructor, Ryan, checked her readiness several times. Despite a language barrier, she reassured him with a cheerful “Good, good.”
Finally, at 13,000ft, it was her turn. At first, hesitation gripped her as she looked down. But at the signal, she took the leap of faith—soaring above Dubai’s glittering skyline, with the sea and landmarks like the Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah beneath her.
The tandem dive included a freefall of nearly 7,000ft before the parachute opened. “It was a beautiful sight. I thought, if anything happens, I’ll just swim in the sea,” she laughed, recalling the breathtaking views.
A Life of Adventure
This wasn’t Leela’s first brush with thrill-seeking. She had already tried ziplining in Wayanad, Kerala, and paragliding in Fujairah. But skydiving was special—an achievement that not only fulfilled her personal dream but also silenced those who once doubted her.
“When I told my neighbors afterward, they were stunned,” she said, laughing. Soon, her video spread on social media and local TV, bringing her unexpected fame.
A Philosophy of Living Fully
Leela describes herself as “just a homemaker.” Her husband, a bank officer, always supported her curiosity for adventure, even if he never tried such activities himself. Now, her son has taken on that role, helping her tick off dreams from her list.
Reflecting on her journey, she said:
“I raised two children and now have two grandchildren. I have lived enough. Whatever I have from now on is a bonus. It is time to enjoy life. There is nothing to be scared about.”
What’s Next?
Having already conquered the skies, Leela’s next dream is even bigger: “I am ready to go to space. Why not? There is no age to dream,” she said with a laugh.
Her adventurous spirit has struck a chord worldwide, proving that courage and curiosity have no expiry date. Whether ziplining, paragliding, or skydiving, Leela’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to live fully and chase your wildest dreams.
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