Priyanka: Nick Embracing My Indian Roots Is Non-Negotiable for Marriage
Priyanka Chopra Jonas Shares the Secret to Her Strong Marriage with Nick Jonas
Quick Summary: Priyanka Chopra Jonas says the most important thing in her marriage to Nick Jonas is his willingness to embrace her Indian culture. She also says kindness is the simple key that keeps their love strong after nearly eight years.
Why Cultural Respect Matters in Their Relationship
When Priyanka Chopra Jonas attended the premiere of her new documentary The Cycle of Love in New York on August 20, she opened up about what makes her marriage work. Here’s what she told E! News:
- She values Nick’s embrace of her roots: "I don’t know if I’d love him if he didn’t," she said about Nick connecting with her Indian culture.
- Respecting where your partner comes from is essential: Especially in a multicultural relationship, you shouldn’t have to leave your traditions behind.
- It’s not just talk — Nick shows up: He celebrates Hindu holidays with Priyanka and their daughter Malti Marie, joins Indian family traditions, and travels to India with her regularly.
Important Point:
In a relationship where two people come from different cultures, genuine respect for each other’s backgrounds isn’t optional — it’s foundational.
The Simple Secret to a Lasting Love: Kindness
When asked what keeps their relationship strong after almost eight years, Priyanka didn’t give a complicated answer.
"Being kind to your partner."
That’s it. She called kindness especially important — more than grand gestures or perfect communication.
Their Wedding Was a Beautiful Blend of Two Worlds
Priyanka and Nick didn’t just talk about respecting culture — they built it into their wedding in December 2018.
Two Ceremonies, One Love
| Ceremony | Tradition | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Christian | Western/Church wedding | Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur, India |
| Hindu | Traditional Indian rituals | Same palace, same week |
Even Before the Wedding, Nick Jumped In
- At their roka ceremony (a pre-wedding commitment ritual) in August 2018, Nick participated in Hindu prayers led by a priest.
- The prayers were in Sanskrit — and Priyanka joked that Nick said them better than she could!
- Her family was so impressed, they started calling him "National Jiju" — Hindi for "national brother-in-law."
The Documentary That Started the Conversation: The Cycle of Love
Priyanka executive-produced this film, which tells an incredible true story of cross-cultural love.
A 6,000-Mile Bike Ride for Love
- P.K. Mahanandia, an Indian artist, met Lotta von Schedvin, a Swedish woman, in Delhi in the 1970s.
- After she returned to Sweden, they stayed in touch.
- In 1977, at age 23, Mahanandia rode a second-hand bicycle ~6,000 miles across countries and continents to find her in Europe.
- They married and have been together for nearly 50 years.
Their Kids Helped Tell the Story
- Their children, Emelie and Karl Mahanandia von Schedvin, became producers on the documentary.
- Priyanka said their involvement made the project “particularly moving.”
What Priyanka Learned from Their Story:
Resilience and standing by the person you love — no matter the distance or difficulty.
How Priyanka Became Part of the Film
It wasn’t a typical Hollywood deal.
- The filmmakers wanted her from the start — Director Orlando von Einsiedel said they discussed her early on as their dream executive producer.
- But they didn’t ask her — They waited.
- Then Priyanka watched the film herself, reached out, and asked to join the team.
- She did real work — Helping the independent documentary get distribution so people could actually see it.
The Cycle of Love opens in U.S. theaters on August 28 via Variance Films.
Summary: What We Can Learn from Priyanka & Nick
| Lesson | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Respect your partner’s culture | It shows you love all of them — not just the parts that look like you. |
| Kindness > perfection | You don’t need a perfect relationship. You need a kind one. |
| Show up in small ways | Nick learning Sanskrit prayers? That’s love in action. |
| Love takes resilience | Like biking 6,000 miles — sometimes love means going the distance. |
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Why does Priyanka say she might not love Nick if he didn’t embrace her culture?
Because for her, cultural identity is part of who she is. If a partner doesn’t respect that, they don’t fully respect her.
What is a "roka ceremony"?
It’s a traditional Indian pre-wedding ritual where both families formally agree to the marriage. It often includes prayers and blessings.
Did Nick really learn Sanskrit prayers?
Yes! Priyanka said he recited them better than she could — and her family was very impressed.
What is The Cycle of Love about?
It’s a documentary about an Indian man who biked 6,000 miles in 1977 to reunite with the Swedish woman he loved. They’ve been married for ~50 years.
How did Priyanka get involved in the film?
She watched it, loved it, and contacted the filmmakers herself to ask if she could help. She then helped them get the movie into theaters.
Final Thought:
Love isn’t just about romance — it’s about respect, kindness, and showing up for who your partner really is. Priyanka and Nick’s story — and the one in The Cycle of Love — remind us that love crosses borders, languages, and even continents when two people choose each other, again and again.