Priyanka Chopra Jonas’ story is one of reinvention and resilience – a journey that’s taken her from a small city in India all the way to the global stage. Born July 18, 1982, in Jamshedpur, she first made waves by winning the Miss World pageant in 2000. But instead of resting on that early fame, she charged headlong into Bollywood, making her mark with daring roles in films like “Fashion” and “Barfi!” and staking her claim as one of Indian cinema’s brightest stars.
Chopra’s ambition, however, was never meant to be boxed in. Her leap to Hollywood saw her front and center on ABC’s “Quantico,” playing FBI agent Alex Parrish – the first time a South Asian actor headlined a major American network drama. While breaking barriers on screen, Chopra’s work off screen has been equally impactful: she’s a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and an outspoken champion for girls’ education and women’s rights.
Finding Love with Nick Jonas
Of course, as captivating as her professional life is, it’s Priyanka’s love story with Nick Jonas that’s made headlines around the world. Their modern fairy tale began with a simple Twitter DM from Nick in 2016 – proof that even global icons aren’t immune to a little digital serendipity. They first met in person at the 2017 Vanity Fair Oscar party and, according to both of them, sparks flew fast.
Texting turned into romance and, despite the 10-year age gap that tabloids couldn’t stop talking about, they got engaged in July 2018 after just two months of dating. Their wedding – equal parts grand spectacle and heartfelt family celebration – blended both Christian and Hindu traditions, stretching out over three dazzling days in December 2018.
“Life’s been a whirlwind, but finding the right person really does make everything fall into place,” Priyanka told Elle in 2021, flashing that winning grin.
Parenthood brought its own chapter of joy and challenge. Their daughter, Malti Marie, was born via surrogate in January 2022 and spent more than 100 days in the NICU – a time the couple kept private until they felt ready to share. Since becoming a mom, Chopra has spoken candidly about what motherhood means to her, while drawing a careful line between fame and her family’s wellbeing.
Before Nick, Priyanka’s romantic life was often under a harsh spotlight. She dated Shahid Kapoor after meeting on the set of “Kaminey” in 2009 – a relationship that quietly ended in 2011 but fueled endless speculation as they worked together in the years that followed. Earlier, she was linked to Harman Baweja while filming “Love Story 2050”; when the movie flopped, their relationship quietly faded away too.
Hollywood, with its rumor mill forever churning, tried pairing her with stars like Tom Hiddleston and Gerard Butler, but Priyanka took it all in stride, batting away speculation with a shrug and her signature wit.
Balancing Privacy and Public Life
If there’s one thing Priyanka has mastered, it’s the art of keeping some parts of herself for herself. Early on, she was notoriously private – rarely confirming or denying relationships. Fame and experience, though, taught her a more nuanced approach. As she told Vogue India in 2019: “I’ve learned that giving people just enough satisfies curiosity without sacrificing what’s sacred. That balance took me years to figure out.”
With Nick and now Malti, she’s stayed true to that hard-earned wisdom. They share glimpses – lively photoshoots, anniversary posts, a few family moments – but the reality of their daily life remains, for the most part, their own.
Through it all, their marriage seems grounded and unflashy in the best possible way. In her memoir “Unfinished,” Priyanka credits their connection to mutual respect and understanding; Nick, she writes, truly sees her ambitions and independence as strengths, not stumbling blocks.
Past Relationships
Nick Jonas
Tom Hiddleston
Shahid Kapoor
Harman Baweja
Asseem Merchant
From beauty queen to Bollywood star to Hollywood trailblazer, Priyanka Chopra Jonas has spent her life crossing borders – professionally, personally, and culturally. In love and in work, she’s found ways to stay both fiercely herself and deeply connected to those she loves. The result? A story that feels as much about courage as it does about glamour – a life lived both in the spotlight and, crucially, on her own terms.