Priyanka Chopra Jonas has spent much of her public life in the spotlight, but few aspects have attracted as much scrutiny as her marriage to singer Nick Jonas. From the moment news of their relationship became public, critics questioned their intentions. Some dismissed their romance as a publicity stunt, suggesting the global actress and the American pop star were strategically boosting each other’s careers. Over time, however, Chopra has made it clear that such speculation no longer holds power over her.
In a recent conversation with Variety, the actress reflected on the intense commentary that surrounded their relationship, particularly in its early days. Although the rumors were initially painful, she says she has since learned to rise above them. Chopra and Jonas, who married in 2018, have now been together for eight years. Their enduring partnership, she suggests, speaks louder than any tabloid narrative.
“We’re eight years in,” she said candidly. “If people want to keep waiting for it to implode, that’s their choice. I stopped thinking about it.” Her words convey a sense of calm confidence — a recognition that public opinion is beyond her control, and ultimately irrelevant to the strength of her marriage.
Still, Chopra admits that the early backlash was difficult. She found herself wondering why so many seemed reluctant to accept their relationship at face value. “I don’t know what it was about us that rubbed people the wrong way,” she shared. Reflecting on the possible reasons behind the skepticism, she pointed to the factors that made their union unique: “I think there was the intercultural nature of it — different countries, different religions, age gap.”
Indeed, their relationship bridged continents and cultures. Chopra, one of India’s most celebrated actors, and Jonas, an American musician who rose to fame with the Jonas Brothers, came from distinctly different backgrounds. Their age difference — Chopra is older than Jonas — also became a frequent topic of online commentary. Combined with their global celebrity status, these elements fueled widespread debate and speculation.
Despite the noise, the couple chose to focus inward rather than outward. Chopra explained that instead of reacting to every headline or online remark, she and Jonas leaned on each other. “It was very hurtful,” she admitted. “And we both, instead of looking out, just sort of looked at each other, and we were like, ‘It doesn’t matter.’” That decision to prioritize their bond over public perception helped them weather the storm of criticism.
Over time, what once stung has become easier to ignore. “So it’s like water off a duck’s back now,” she said, underscoring how much her perspective has shifted. Experience and stability have given her clarity, allowing her to detach from narratives that do not reflect her lived reality.
Their 2018 wedding itself was a celebration of the very differences some critics questioned. The couple honored both of their backgrounds with two ceremonies — one Christian and one Hindu — symbolizing a blending of traditions rather than a clash of cultures. The multi-day festivities in India drew global attention and were widely celebrated as a testament to inclusivity and respect.
In January 2022, Chopra and Jonas entered a new chapter of their lives when they welcomed their daughter, Malti Marie, via surrogacy. Parenthood has further strengthened their focus on family and privacy. For Chopra, the priorities are now clear: her marriage, her child, and the life they are building together matter far more than outside commentary.
While public scrutiny may be an unavoidable part of celebrity life, Chopra’s outlook demonstrates resilience. What once felt hurtful has become background noise. By centering their relationship on mutual respect and shared values, she and Jonas have proven that authenticity endures longer than speculation.
