Nick Jonas Reflects on Daughter Malti’s Critical NICU Journey

Singer Nick Jonas has shared a deeply personal account of the challenging early days following the birth of his daughter, Malti Marie Chopra Jonas. In an interview on the Jay Shetty Podcast, he discussed the severe health issues that Malti faced as a newborn, highlighting the emotional turmoil experienced by both him and his wife, actress Priyanka Chopra.

Malti was born much earlier than anticipated in January 2022, weighing just 1 pound and 11 ounces. Reflecting on the experience, Jonas stated, “She came into the world under very intense circumstances, which I’ve never really talked about. We were expecting her to arrive in April, but then we got a call that it was going to be sooner… We got to the hospital and came out 1 pound, 11 ounces and purple basically.”

Life in the NICU

Upon her arrival, Malti was immediately admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), where she received critical care. Jonas described the distressing atmosphere during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, which added layers of complexity to their situation. He mentioned that he and Chopra spent 12-hour shifts at the hospital for nearly three and a half months.

“It was both comforting and frightening to be there every day and to see other families going through a similar situation,” he said. During this time, Malti fought valiantly for her life, gradually gaining strength and weight. After undergoing six blood transfusions, she finally progressed to a point where they could take her home.

Impact on Parenthood

The couple’s journey into parenthood has been profoundly influenced by Malti’s early health challenges. Since welcoming their daughter via surrogacy, Jonas and Chopra have been open about how these experiences have shaped their outlook on life and parenting.

Married in 2018 in a blend of Christian and Hindu ceremonies in Rajasthan, India, the couple has consistently expressed their gratitude for Malti’s survival and the lessons learned during her critical early days.

Looking ahead, Nick Jonas is set to appear alongside Paul Rudd in the upcoming film Power Ballad, directed by John Carney, which is scheduled for release on June 5, 2024. As he balances his career with the joys and challenges of fatherhood, Jonas remains in awe of the “magic” Malti brings into their lives.