Hollywood actress Anne Hathaway, 43, has sparked amusement and surprise among fans worldwide after casually and correctly using the Arabic phrase “Inshallah” during a recent interview with People magazine, which also named her the “World’s Most Beautiful Star 2026”.
During the conversation with editor-in-chief Charlotte Triggs about ageing and embracing life in her 40s, Hathaway said she hopes for a long and healthy future, adding: “Inshallah, I hope so.”
The phrase “Inshallah”, commonly used in Arab and Muslim communities, reflects the idea of hoping for a future outcome while acknowledging that it ultimately depends on God’s will.
The unexpected moment quickly caught attention online, with many viewers reacting positively and sharing clips of the interview across social media platforms. Some even praised the actress for using the expression naturally and in the correct context.
Public reactions included light-hearted surprise, with fans admitting they did not expect to hear the phrase in a Hollywood interview. The clip has since gone viral, amassing more than 3.8 million views on TikTok.
Among the responses, organisations such as the Muslim Pro App and Malaysian radio station Hot FM also engaged with the moment, with Hot FM simply commenting: “InshaAllah sister.”
Hathaway’s interview comes shortly after another viral cultural moment involving the educational programme Sesame Street, which featured comedian Ramy Youssef teaching characters Arabic greetings such as “Salamu Alaykum” and “Habibi” in celebration of National Arab American Heritage Month in the United States.
The segment was widely praised online for its light-hearted approach to cultural learning, with viewers welcoming the increased visibility of Arabic language and expressions in mainstream media.
@people #AnneHathaway is embracing aging on her own terms and not getting swept up in the noise along the way. #WorldsMostBeautiful ♬ original sound – People Magazine
