Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra are parents to their daughter Malti Marie Jonas, who was born via surrogate in January 2022. Due to her premature birth, Malti spent over 100 days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) before finally returning home. In a candid recent interview, Priyanka discussed the emotional challenges she and Nick faced during this difficult time.
During an episode of Jay Shetty’s podcast, Priyanka shared that their experience was both traumatic and transformative. “We went with her to the NICU. One of us was allowed at a time, and she cried the first time. It was like a cat,” she recounted, reflecting on how challenging it was to witness their baby struggle early on. Despite the care and support of family, she described the ordeal as deeply personal and harrowing.
She also revealed that they were unprepared for the public announcement of Malti’s birth, which came unexpectedly when they received a message alerting them that media outlets would break the news if they didn’t do so themselves. “We were kind of forced into announcing her birth, which we weren’t ready for,” Priyanka explained.
Despite the challenges, Priyanka and Nick focused on nurturing Malti during her time in the hospital. Priyanka shared how Nick would sing to their daughter on his guitar, while she played soothing mantras from an iPod to create a comforting environment for Malti. “There were a lot of people praying for her. She was very, very desired, very coveted, and treasured,” she added, emphasizing the immense love and care surrounding Malti throughout her early life.
Nick Jonas spoke earlier on the same podcast about how Malti weighed just 1 pound 11 ounces at birth and required multiple medical interventions, including six blood transfusions. He highlighted how they took turns doing 12-hour shifts at the hospital during Malti’s lengthy stay in the NICU. “It was both comforting and frightening to be there every day and to see other families going through a similar situation,” he shared, reflecting on the emotional toll the experience had on them.
Nick expressed his awe at Malti’s resilience, feeling that she carries a spirit that reflects her tough early beginnings. “Every day is a gift, and you can actually feel it in her in the way that she behaves,” he noted.
In addition to their family journey, Priyanka Chopra is set to appear in her latest film, “The Bluff,” which will be released on Prime Video on February 25. This period drama features Priyanka in the role of Ercell Bodden, alongside a talented cast, and is set against the backdrop of the late 19th-century Caribbean.
This heartwarming story of love and resilience is a testament to the strength of the Jonas-Chopra family as they navigate the challenges of parenthood while celebrating their daughter’s remarkable spirit.