Parenting lessons from Priyanka Chopra Jonas mother on how she raised the actress: 'Let them feel sorry for themselves'

Priyanka Chopra needs no introduction. The actress has carved a niche for herself in Bollywood and has even spread her wings in Hollywood. A global icon, the 43-year-old also dons many hats besides being a prolific star. She is a successful entrepreneur, producer and investor, who often voices strong opinions on a wide variety of topics. But do you know where she gets her strength to take on challenges and not get deterred by failure? It is from her mother, Madhu Chopra, who often shares valuable insights on parenting.

Let them fail, but never feel small

Back in 2023, Madhu Chopra appeared on IVM Podcasts' The Habit Coach with Ashdin Doctor, where she talked about how to teach your kids to deal with failure. Priyanka Chopra’s mother advised that parents should make their children sit down and let them cry their heart out and feel sorry for themselves. ‘Let them beat their chests’ were her exact words. As parents, Madhu Chopra stressed the importance of understanding what had happened and the reason behind the failure.




Madhu Chopra added that parents must allow their kids to talk freely and ask them gently why something did not work out, even when they put their best foot forward. Once the children open up, it is the duty of the parents to put the pieces together and reassure their children that they can always try again later. But if that's not an option, they can attempt something else. But whatever they do, it is never okay to dwell on the setback. ‘You never made them feel small for having failed. That is very important,’ emphasized Madhu Chopra.

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A post shared by Dr Madhu Akhouri Chopra (@drmadhuakhourichopra)

Emotional support shapes children

On a concluding note, Madhu Chopra pointed out that it was vital to nurture growing children both emotionally and psychologically. She admitted that the world is not ‘safe… infested with wolves and bad events’, which can get cruel at times, so parents must raise their children to become strong individuals; otherwise, they will never learn to face it themselves. ‘You can't keep babying them, fighting the battles for them. Home is where they should find their soft spot, their safe spot, their own people,’ she revealed.

Before this, Madhu Chopra shed light on the crucial role of early childhood and a parent’s environment in shaping a child’s personality. She explained that children between the ages of two and eight are highly impressionable and largely reflect what they observe at home. According to her, a parent’s work environment directly impacts family life.

Madhu Chopra shared that stress and toxicity at work often spill over into personal spaces. She emphasised setting clear boundaries between professional and personal time to maintain emotional balance. She also highlighted that children learn by example, absorbing behaviour, communication styles and attitudes. As they grow older, external influences increase, making it essential for parents to remain approachable and supportive.

About Priyanka Chopra

Coming to Priyanka Chopra, the actress is currently busy shooting for director SS Rajamouli's Varanasi. The film, also starring Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran in important roles, is expected to premiere on April 7, 2027. Further details about the movie are currently kept under tight wraps.