Interview by Violeta Nicola
Photography by Ryan West
Styling by Mark-Paul
Grooming by Michael Dueñas
Paras Patel is a rising actor best known for his role as ‘Matthew’ in the critically acclaimed series “The Chosen,” streaming on Amazon Prime. “The Chosen” has become a global phenomenon, with over 200 million viewers and 770 million episode views. It’s one of the most-watched shows in the world.
What was your journey into discovering acting like? What aspect of it drew you in the most?
I like to think I discovered acting at 5 years old, when I was the clown in my kindergarten play and announced to the audience “Now let’s get on with the show!” It was my first time on stage and I remember feeling the energy from everyone’s applause and laughter. After that I participated in various cultural community dances and plays and really grew to love performing. I love being able to get into a character’s shoes and exploring and seeing the world through their lens. It is all very fascinating to me. I knew this was what I wanted to do, but because a career in entertainment can be so volatile, I decided to pursue a career in finance and finish my education until I eventually realized that the only thing I am meant to do was act.
The character of Matthew is portrayed as neurodivergent. How did you approach this aspect of the character, specifically as the story is a biblical drama?
My preparation for the role of Matthew who on the show is seen as being autistic, was truly a team effort. From conversations with the showrunner/creator Dallas Jenkins, to doing my personal research, and even watching Love on the Spectrum, I wanted to immerse myself into the mind, body and soul of someone who is neurodivergent to be as authentic as possible. As someone who is not neurodivergent, I will always do my best to represent this beautiful community and show them they are one of the lights of the world. Portraying Matthew has given me my purpose as an actor as well as allowed me to be an ambassador for the neurodivergent community.
Your character in “The Chosen” is very complex. How did you prepare for the role?
Portraying a historical figure certainly had some pressure, but I was moved by the character the writers created and scripts, that I did everything I could to prepare for it. I focused on getting into the mindset of Matthew, and also finding his voice through his physical mannerisms and distinct personality. I felt it was important to kind of experience things in real time as he must have back then, so I read some key moments from the Bible to familiarize myself as a foundation and then kind of kept going from there.
If Matthew had a modern-day job, what do you think it would be?
I feel like most people would think he would be an accountant or a trader at the stock exchange, but I think modern day Matthew would be a therapist with several best selling books under his belt, since he is a good listener and writer!
Is there any behind-the-scenes from “The Chosen” that stuck with you and you think about it from time to time?
There are so many! I think when it comes to the show overall, to go from being a small web series, to premiering in theaters and now on Amazon Prime, has been such a beautiful underdog story. The way the show keeps growing and surpassing expectations has been surreal to be a part of. I keep thinking, wow, this is amazing and I am so grateful to be a part of it.
When it comes to filming, I love the challenges our writers (Dallas Jenkins, Ryan Swanson, and Tyler Thompson) and director (Dallas Jenkins) give us. We’ve accomplished some cool filming moments, such as a 15 minute one take and even an age progression scene where I played a version of Matthew in his 60s. It has allowed me to stretch my acting muscle and pushed me to dig deeper.
There have also been beautiful moments during filming that have made an impact on me, such as scenes where Matthew is listening to the beatitudes, asking for forgiveness from his parents and Simon Peter. Those are some of my favorite moments that I think about from time to time.
Our cast and crew are a big family, so I reminisce on all the memories we have created together over these 7 years including the highs and lows.
Were there any roles you took early on that, in hindsight, helped shape the kind of actor you are today?
I’ve grown to learn that everything happens for a reason. There have definitely been some roles I have done that have made me realize I need to have a thicker skin and be more mentally prepared for how tough this industry can be. I have also learned about particular roles I would not want to do. Portraying Matthew on The Chosen has allowed me to really become more confident about what I want to do as an actor and the impact I want to make.
As a proud Indian-American actor, what conversations do you hope to see more of in the entertainment industry?
Growing up, I rarely saw South Asians represented in TV/Film, and if they were it was stereotypical caricatures. It is so important now to find authentic South Asian stories and tell them and change the narrative, which I believe is happening. Change moves slowly, but it is happening and I hope to see more roles for South Asians. I really hope more chances are being given to South Asian talent, but even more representation for minorities and underrepresented groups across the board, and not just on camera but behind the scenes as well in terms of hiring crew, writers, etc. Portraying these different backgrounds and groups in roles on tv/film is so important because it educates the audience and opens their minds. Portraying Matthew as neurodivergent really brought an awareness to the audience as well representation and acceptance for this community.
I also hope I can inspire the new generation of actors, storytellers and artists out there, that if I can do it, so can they. There is a space for everyone.
What advice would you give to young actors wanting to follow in your footsteps and trying to break into the industry?
I would say that there is space for you, your vision, and your talent here. Just don’t give up. Use every ‘no’ (because there will be many) to build your podium, because all it takes is one ‘yes’ and your life can change. Then stand on that podium and let the world see what you have to offer. Also, I would say don’t be too hard on yourself and to just enjoy but trust the process. All good things take time, so stay focused and work on your craft. Everything is a learning lesson whether it is good and bad. As much as I struggled and doubted myself at times, I had to go through those moments to be where I am now, so just trust the process. I follow the mantra, “What is for you, will not pass you,” and I truly believe that.
Is there a genre of film that you would love to dive deeper into in the future?
I would love to be in a Marvel movie/series or explore more in the historical fantasy realm, like Game of Thrones or House of Dragons. A part of me still hopes to play Aladdin one day haha.
Are there any people in the entertainment industry you hope to collaborate with in the future, from actors to movie directors?
I am open to working with anyone as long as the story and writing is interesting and something I can see myself doing justice as the character. I do love the idea of collaborating with someone new and kind of giving opportunities to newcomers. Directors I would love to work with are Ryan Coogler, Martin Scorcese, and Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
What is next in terms of your career? What do you hope to be doing next?
While my time with The Chosen is coming to an end in a few years, I am truly focusing on just enjoying this moment. I tend to think about the future too much and forget about actually enjoying the present, so I am doing just that. I hope to continue the “Matthew legacy” going and spreading more awareness for the neurodivergent community as well as continuing to amplify South Asian voices through future projects.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
