Actor Priyanka Chopra has spoken about the difficult journey she faced before becoming a mother, saying her daughter Malti Marie Chopra Jonas is nothing less than a miracle in her life.

The 43-year-old actress, who married American singer Nick Jonas in 2018, welcomed Malti in 2022 via surrogacy after what she described as a very tough time with pregnancies.

In an interview with Marie Claire, the Krrish actor spoke honestly about that period.

“Our daughter was very coveted and very desired because I had a really tough time with pregnancies. She’s my miracle baby, so everything just stopped when she was born,” she said.

The Agneepath star added, “I think it’s a preemie mom or a NICU mom thing, but I’m still in constant fear.” 

“When she’s not right by my side or she’s at school or when I’m in a different country, it’s this feeling that your heart is running outside of your body.”

The Andaaz actress revealed the early days were emotionally heavy for both her and her husband. While their daughter was in hospital, Jonas would sing to her with his guitar while Chopra chanted the Mahamrityunjay Mantra, the Gayatri Mantra and the Om Namah Shiv mantra.

She says Malti has become the centre of her life. “She’s the greatest gift of my life. All my priorities have changed. Everything starts and ends with her.”

For the unversed, Malti was born premature and spent 110 days in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The  Don lead said the experience changed her life and still affects how she feels as a mother.