Priyanka Chopra has revealed the harrowing circumstances surrounding the birth of her daughter, Malti, offering a candid glimpse into the early struggles that marked the first months of her life.
Speaking on the mental health-focused podcast On Purpose with Jay Shetty, Chopra described a moment of emotional shutdown when she learned that Malti would arrive prematurely at just 27 weeks. The news was sudden and overwhelming, forcing the actress and her husband, Nick Jonas, into a world of uncertainty and medical intervention far sooner than they had anticipated.
Chopra detailed the alarming condition of her daughter at birth. Malti’s skin appeared bright purple, and the tiny size of her mouth made it difficult for doctors to intubate her. In the days following her birth, the newborn required six blood transfusions, highlighting the fragility of her early existence. Chopra recounted the intense hospital routines that dominated the family’s lives over the next 110 days. She and Jonas oscillated between hope and fear, navigating the hospital corridors as Malti fought to survive.
During that period, Chopra admitted to consciously suppressing her own fear. She explained that any outward display of anxiety could be sensed by her daughter, potentially amplifying her distress. “I couldn’t allow myself to feel fear,” Chopra said, reflecting on the mental discipline required to maintain calm in such a critical situation. Her approach underscores a tension often overlooked in stories of premature birth: the emotional burden placed on parents, who must manage their own mental health while advocating for their child.
Despite the prolonged hospital stay and medical complications, Malti gradually stabilized. By the time she was able to leave the hospital, she remained small and vulnerable but exhibited remarkable resilience. Four years later, Malti is thriving, and Jonas has described each day with their daughter as a “gift,” highlighting the perspective gained through their early trials.
Chopra’s account offers more than a personal narrative; it reflects the broader realities faced by families of premature infants. The story illuminates the emotional toll, the delicate balance of hope and anxiety, and the intense vigilance required during those first months. It also highlights the quiet heroism of parents navigating life in neonatal intensive care units, where every small milestone carries profound significance.
In sharing these details, Chopra emphasizes the intersection of love, fear, and endurance that defines the journey of families like hers. Malti’s early challenges serve as a testament to human resilience and the capacity for hope even in the most uncertain circumstances.
