DUBAI: Hollywood star Anne Hathaway’s use of the Arabic phrase “Inshallah” during a recent interview has been warmly received online.
Offering a moment of cultural resonance amid a reflective conversation about ageing and longevity in the film industry, the actress was speaking to People Magazine while promoting her latest film, “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”
She opened up about life at 43 and what it means to have spent more than two decades in Hollywood, discussing how her perspective has shifted over time.
“I finally value the chill,” she said, explaining that she no longer rides the emotional highs and lows of the industry as intensely as she once did. Instead, she approaches each new decade with curiosity rather than fear.
She added: “I want to have a long, healthy life, Inshallah. I hope so.”
The use of the Arabic phrase — which means “God willing” — resonated widely, particularly among Middle Eastern audiences where it is commonly used to express hope for the future.
The video of the interview has now received more than 300,000 likes on TikTok.
One user commented: “Inshallah my princess of Genovia,” referring to her character in “The Princess Diaries,” while another said: “Masha Allah sister Anne.”
Several TikTok users praised her for her wisdom on aging, with one saying: “This is the nicest I’ve seen her in an interview lately. This Anne is nice to watch.”
Meanwhile, US singer Sabrina Carpenter took to X on Saturday to apologize after misidentifying a fan’s zaghrouta — a traditional Arabic celebratory ululation — as yodelling during her headline performance at Coachella on Friday evening.
“My apologies, I didn’t see this person with my eyes and couldn’t hear clearly,” Carpenter wrote. “My reaction was pure confusion, sarcasm and not ill intended. Could have handled it better! Now I know what a zaghrouta is! I welcome all cheers and yodels from here on out.”
Clips of the moment were widely circulated online. While seated at the piano on the festival’s main stage, reacting to the fan who performed the zaghrouta, Carpenter said: “I think I heard someone yodel. Is that what you’re doing? I don’t like it.”
The fan responded: “It’s my culture!” prompting Carpenter to reply: “That’s your culture, is yodeling?” The audience member then clarified, “It’s a call of celebration.” Carpenter responded: “Is this Burning Man? What’s going on? This is weird.”
