Paras Patel Reflects on 'The Chosen', Advocacy, and What Success Means to Him

Paras Patel has spent more than a decade building a career defined by patience, persistence, and a willingness to grow into himself. From earlier appearances in projects such as The DUFF and Nashville to his globally recognized role as Matthew in The Chosen, Patel’s path has not been shaped by overnight arrival, but by the steady work of becoming.

That journey continues with The Chosen in the Wild with Bear Grylls, coming to Prime Video on Aug. 9, which will see Patel join Bear Grylls and fellow members of The Chosen cast in a new unscripted setting. For Patel, the project marks another creative turn, one that moves beyond the familiar world of scripted performance and into something more adventurous, unexpected, and revealing.

In his conversation with LO’AMMI, Patel looks back with tenderness at the younger version of himself, acknowledging both the self-criticism he once carried and the self-love he has learned to practice now. He speaks openly about what it means to be part of a character-driven story with a faith-based backdrop, how his Indian-American background shaped his view of the world, and why advocacy for the neurodivergent community has become central to his purpose as an artist.

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Emilie Harper: You’ve now spent more than a decade in the entertainment industry, from projects like The DUFF and Nashville to becoming part of one of the most-watched shows in the world. Looking back, what would surprise the younger version of yourself most about where your career has taken you?

Paras Patel: I think in some way the younger version of myself always knew what I was capable of, it was just a matter of time until I stepped into my authentic self and fully owned my potential. I grew up being very critical of my younger self and right now I make sure to thank him for always seeing the version of me that I am now. Self love is important, and I make sure I let younger Paras know, “look what we are doing, we did good, kid, I love you.”

EH: The success of The Chosen has introduced your work to audiences across the globe. Has that experience changed the way you think about the responsibility, and opportunity, that comes with storytelling, especially when balancing faith-based storytelling with mainstream Hollywood?

PP: I feel that The Chosen is more character driven storytelling, although the backdrop is faith based. As far as changing the way I think about the responsibility that comes with this type of storytelling, I am just focused on being present and continuing to be the best version of myself as Paras. I have struggled alot to get to where I am now and all those experiences have shaped me into who I am today. There’s a strength in being humble and treating others with kindness. Of course, as the show got popular the responsibility increases, but for me it was in terms of digging deeper into Matthew’s journey and challenging myself as an actor.

EH: As an Indian-American actor, how has your cultural background shaped both your worldview and the kinds of stories you’re drawn to tell, and how would you like to see representation continue evolving in the industry?

PP: I grew up not really seeing versions of myself on tv and films because most of the roles were stereotypical and kind of lame, so I could not relate to it. I ended up watching more Hindi films as a kid (also known as Bollywood). In a weird way, I always felt like I belonged there and watching those films and listening to the music was a true form of escapism for me from the old Florida suburb I grew up in. My cultural background and has enabled me to have a more open and broader view of the world.

I also find myself fascinated in learning about other cultures, cuisine, and traveling. I’d love to see more stories that authentically portray the Indian American journey, especially those that came here for pursuit of a better way of life. I would also love to work in the Indian entertainment industry in some capacity. As far as representation in the industry, I see some forward movement happening and it’s exciting to see. The stereotypical roles of South Asians are also slowly changing in my opinion, but there’s always room for improvement. I just hope more opportunities for South Asian actors continue to increase. I think it all starts with taking a chance on someone, and finding an interesting story to develop, and there are plenty!

EH: You’ve become increasingly involved in advocating for the neurodivergent community. How has that experience influenced your perspective as both an artist and a person?

PP: It has given me my true purpose as an artist. One where through my art, I am also making an impact and inspiring people who relate to Matthew portrayed as neurodivergent on The Chosen. As a person, I always try to make people around me feel safe and seen, and that is exactly why I have become an ambassador for the neurodivergent community through the organization Kulture City. I want to help spread more awareness while making the neurodivergent community feel understood. In a way, I feel called to do this, and nothing makes me more happier than to show my love and support.

EH: Your career has taken you across comedy, drama, and now unscripted television. What ultimately draws you to a project, and how do you balance choosing work that is personally meaningful with opportunities that challenge you creatively?

PP: What ultimately draws me to a project is the character and the writing. I also ask myself if this is something that I can authentically portray. I love a good challenge though, so I am always excited to approach projects where the character is completely different from me. Usually the work that challenges me creatively ends up becoming personally meaningful, because it allows me to step out of my comfort zone and learn more about myself in the process. Doing things that scare you or challenge you will make you realize what you are capable of as a person and it can be very motivating!

EH: You’ll soon be stepping into a very different environment with The Chosen in the Wild alongside Bear Grylls. What did that experience reveal about yourself that might surprise people who only know you through your acting work?

PP: I definitely learned that I can take on more adventure! I had a blast and am excited for everyone to see what I ended up doing. I think viewers who know me through my acting work or social media, know that I would definitely go all in for an experience like this and so they can expect a lot of laughs, fun, and some heartfelt moments. I grew up watching Bear Grylls, and it’s so wild to think I went out in the wild with him, completely out of my element!

EH: While many audiences know you through Matthew, what creative challenges are still on your bucket list, whether that’s a particular genre, character, or even stepping behind the camera as a producer, writer, or director?

PP: There is so much more that I want to explore and do. I’d love to explore the supernatural genre, or do a horror movie. Something different than what I have been doing for the last 8 years. I am also a hopeless romantic, so I would love to lead a rom com, maybe one authentic to my South Asian background. I would also love to portray an antagonist in a project, as I find those characters to be so complex, and layered.

EH: The entertainment industry often focuses on what’s next. As someone who’s experienced both the early-career grind and global success, how has your definition of success evolved over the years?

PP: I’m no longer chasing success. Instead, I’m letting it follow me as I take on new ventures and opportunities. To get to this mindset took a while, as we validate ourselves with what we think ‘success’ means, or what the idea of it is. To me, I define success as being happy, loving what you do, staying present, and being grateful for everything I have accomplished, although I am just getting started ;)

EH: Outside of acting and advocacy, what passions or interests play the biggest role in keeping you grounded and creatively inspired?

PP: I am big on self care, which to me is eating as clean as possible, staying active, and doing some inner work. There is only one you, so when you take care of yourself first, you will be able to take care of others. I also surround myself with a community of friends who support one another, challenge each other, and exude nothing but positive energy.

EH: When audiences look back on your body of work years from now, what do you hope is the common thread that connects the stories you’ve chosen to tell?

PP: That I did it with all heart and hard work :)

More than the stories I have chosen to tell, I want people to realize that you can make your dreams come true if you stay focused, passionate, and never give up. I hope my body of work reminds you of my journey – full of struggles, high highs and low lows, but most importantly, one of resilience and never giving up.

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Team Credits

Photography: Ryan West

Styling: Mark-Paul Barro

Grooming: Michael Duenas