Pop icon Nick Jonas, fondly called ‘jiju’ by Indian fans, broke the internet once again. But this time, it wasn’t for praising his wife, global star Priyanka Chopra. It was for a quiet gesture. One that spoke louder than words.
Nick Jonas shared a video of himself making a Bloody Mary for Priyanka Chopra, who is gearing up for the release of her upcoming film, The Bluff. The cocktail was a nod to the character she plays in the movie, Ercell “Bloody Mary” Bodden.
But that’s not what broke the internet. It was the delicate accessory dangling from his wrist: a mangalsutra bracelet.
Traditionally, women wear the mangalsutra. It is a marker of a Hindu woman’s marital status, tied around the bride’s neck by the groom during the wedding ceremony. Over the years, the auspicious thread of black beads has evolved into a fashion statement. It comes festooned with personalised pendants featuring initials, zodiac sign symbols, and exquisite diamond arrangements.
Each time a Bollywood actress gets married, the mangalsutra draws intense attention. What design did she choose? Is it modern or neo-traditional? Zoomed-in photos of the piece flood social media.
In recent years, it has also been at the centre of debate: why should only women visibly carry markers of marriage, whether through a mangalsutra or sindoor? While the debate exists, over the years, mangalsutra has evolved into a style statement. Women have reimagined how they wear it. Some style it as a layered necklace.
Others use it as a button adornment on cardigans or shirts. What was once a fixed symbol is now fluid. And perhaps, ready to be reinterpreted by more than just women.
Which is why when Nick Jonas was seen wearing a mangalsutra bracelet, it was not merely a random styling experiment. It read as intent. It was a quiet depiction of his respect for Chopra’s culture and belief.
As wedding bands mysteriously disappear in boardrooms and public appearances, this gesture feels pointed. He is married. He is in love. He is proud. And he is not hesitant about wearing it on his sleeve. His bracelet became a loud-in-the-quietest-way declaration of love and commitment.
Jewellery designers, meanwhile, see mangalsutra bracelets becoming a prominent men’s jewellery trend too.
“We have seen multiple orders for men’s mangalsutra bracelets, and interest is clearly growing. We are already planning a dedicated launch around this category because the demand is real and consistent,” Disha Shah, Founder and Designer, DiAi Designs, tells India Today Digital.
“I believe this trend is only going to pick up from here. The men’s mangalsutra bracelet reflects a shift in mindset. Today, they are more aware, more conscious, and strongly believe in equality within relationships. It is definitely a trend that is here to stay,” she adds.
In a world where some men “forget” their wedding rings at home or claim they’ve suddenly become loose, find the one who borrows from your culture and wears it like a flex.
