Acclaimed filmmaker Gurinder Chadha recently spoke to Filmfare about her upcoming movie Christmas Karma. In an exclusive conversation, when asked about her close bond with Priyanka Chopra Jonas, she offered a rare and affectionate glimpse into the actor’s life as a mother. Chadha, who has known Priyanka for years, said one of the most delightful aspects of their friendship today is watching the star embrace motherhood so naturally and wholeheartedly.
“One of the loveliest things for me is to hang out with Priyanka as a mom,” Chadha said, as she described Priyanka’s daughter, Malti Marie, as an absolute joy. “Little Malti Marie, I mean what a gorgeous little thing. She is a Disney princess.” Chadha also shared that Malti is currently in her animated-film era. As in, she is shopping at the Disney store, collecting Moana merchandise, singing the songs and watching all the classic movies. “Lilo & Stitch is her favourite at the moment,” Gurinder added.
According to Chadha, Malti is lively, curious and constantly active. “She is a little treasure and it’s lovely to see Priyanka being a mom with her. She is so much fun. Malti is always doing something or the other, and Priyanka sometimes says, ‘It’s exhausting.’ I tell her, ‘I’ve been there. I know.'”
When asked if Priyanka is a hands-on mother, Chadha didn’t pause for a second. “Oh yeah,” she said emphatically. She recalled a lunch they had in New York, where Priyanka arrived with Malti despite knowing it would make it tough to talk about work. “She brought her anyway,” Chadha said with a laugh. “This little kid is controlling and ruling everything.”
What touched Chadha most was Priyanka’s preparedness and involvement. “She was bringing out crayons, colouring things. She was giving her dolls and building blocks. She had everything ready to keep the little one occupied. It is a lovely thing to see,” the Christmas Karma director added.
Chadha, a mother of twins, said she occasionally shares parenting advice with Priyanka. “Yes, I did give her tips. I am the authority, having had twins,” she joked. But beyond parenting, Chadha said their connection is deeper. “It is nice that we can speak as professional Indian women who work in the West, and also have an Indian heart and sensibility,” she noted.
Gurinder Chadha’s upcoming film, Christmas Karma, is releasing on December 12, 2025. Indian audiences can watch the movie in theatres, associated with PVRINOX Pictures.
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