Jason Patel Shines in ‘Unicorns’: Rising Star’s Journey and Impact

SD – Jason, your debut in Unicorns has garnered significant acclaim, landing you on several Best Performers lists. How did you prepare for the role of a queer South Asian nightclub performer, and what personal connections did you find with the character?

JP – I said to Sally and James that when I got cast in this project, it felt like I was preparing for this role my whole life. I was so itching to take on a massive project that required me to give everything I had to unlock new parts of myself – both personal and professional. Essentially it feels like I’m playing two separate characters throughout most of this film, with the goal being to bring them together as one.

Working with the directors was a detailed process, bringing together references, mood boards, building the world and context so I could fully embody the shoes or heels of Aysha and Ashiq – it was an incredible journey. We did a lot of rehearsals and analysis. I went away and did my own research and preparation as I wanted to make sure I brought my A-game every day. If anyone who knows me knows I love to be active and I am highly into fitness, so I used it as a tool to engineer my character’s physicality & behaviour.

I had a lot of personal connections to this character. There is much to relate to in the experiences and journey this character goes on. I understood and knew this person. I cannot say my journey is the same because it is not, but there is much strength and tenacity in Aysha/Ashiq that is inspiring and genuine, and I have the deepest respect for them.

SD – Unicorns tackles profound themes of identity and belonging, especially within the queer Asian community. How important was it for you to authentically represent these themes, and what impact do you hope the film will have on audiences?

JP – I think it is essential to represent these themes authentically, there is not any other way around that. As an artist I strive to tell the story in the most truthful and honest way I possibly can. In this project I really researched and did a lot of outreaches alongside my rehearsals and preparation to make sure I was getting multiple perspectives and context in order to build and create Aysha/Ashiq and embody these essentially 2 characters fully.

This is a story that we haven’t seen on screen, and it is such an honour and rare opportunity to bring these universal themes through this lens in order to shine a light on this vibrant, beautiful and creative community.

I hope the audience takes away an uplighting sense of hope and love. In a world where we are always given negative news and we are constantly attacked from every direction; this film really showcases a relatable resilience towards life and brings people together. Hope is not lost, and we can unapologetically love who we want.

JP – Working with Ben was an incredible experience. I never feel any pressure with him, and I feel like I can always be myself around him. We loved working together and have talked about how we’d love to work on more projects together – so watch out world! I grew as an actor working with him and the directors. I took a lot of technical notes and prep in between takes learning about how to stay in the character. Just by watching him approach each take with the support of the directors Sally and James, I would pick up on little things that helped me learn a lot about how to embody a character or tackle certain scenes. I have the deepest love and respect for all three of them.

SD – Your involvement in the music for Unicorns adds another layer to your artistic expression. Can you tell us more about the creative process behind your upcoming EP ‘Delicious’ and how the film influenced your music?

JP – I was working on this project (EP ‘Delicious’) before and after Unicorns, it is interesting to see how the music evolved. I told Sally and James I made music and to my luck they chose a piece to use in the edit and a piece for me to perform in the film as my character. That genuinely meant the world to me and what it has done for my music career, I will forever be grateful for. I love them both so dearly. I actually kept sharing music with them post filming as they were genuinely interested which is heartwarming. It gave me another layer of confidence.

When I went back into the studio, I took a lot from the experience on set and brought a bright, sultry energy to the sound. It is a really difficult thing to do in a room where there are no windows and also it was a miserable dark winter. I wrote so much music and spent so much time curating every part to the last detail so that I can put out quality, not quantity. This is patience. I’ve spent two years making this project, and I have held back from releasing it as I want people to hear it and be impacted by it. It really is an answer to the question ‘How am I feeling right now?’ Of course, the answer is …DELICIOUS!

SD – With Unicorns premiering at prestigious film festivals like TIFF and BFI LFF, and winning accolades such as Best of Fest at Palm Springs and BFI Flare, what has been the most surprising or rewarding feedback you’ve received so far?

JP – I got put on a best performance list by Roger Ebert at TIFF when the film first released and I was around such incredible talent, it really did feel as if ‘WOW I really am doing something cool’ and people like what I do. I am ready to give them so much more. This coupled with young adult audience members who have come up to me and said it felt like they were watching their life was really heartwarming. They feel seen and represented. THAT IS WHAT I LIVE FOR! That is what keeps me going. My whole purpose in life is to make people happy when I am not there. This project has done that for everyone who has seen it. It touches them and gives them love and a sense of belonging in one way or another. We can feel so alone in this world but in that cinema, you are a Unicorn.

SD – In addition to Unicorns, you’ll be seen in the BBC’s crime drama Virdee. How do you approach the transition between roles in a heartfelt romantic drama and a gritty crime series? What excites you most about these diverse projects?

JP – I’m so excited for people to see me do different things, explore other avenues. I want to constantly surprise people and keep them guessing. I am so lucky I get to play pretend for a living, but the excitement truly comes from the exploration across these diverse projects, discovering human behaviour and the worlds they live in. I don’t want to do the same roles over and over again, it isn’t challenging, and I like to be challenged. I love an adventure and I like to most definitely keep people on their toes.

Filming Virdee was quite a different experience but still amazing. I approach any role the same way even if the circumstances are different. For me, it’s all about adapting and going with the flow. I definitely came onto set with a bit more confidence this time round, felt like I knew the ropes and could do my bit to tell this story.

The real excitement of these diverse stories is that we are seeing things on screen that we typically haven’t seen before – it’s new, interesting, and fresh. It’s refreshing to be seeing these new perspectives, faces and just overall positive representation for south Asian communities. I’ll always hunt out projects that excite me and give me a gut feeling, so I’m curious to see what else I’ll be doing in 5 years!

SD – As a rising star in both film and music, what advice would you give to aspiring actors and musicians, particularly those from underrepresented communities, who are looking to break into the industry?

JP:

1. Don’t give up!
2. Never apologise for who you are!
3. Show kindness to everyone even if they don’t give it back!

I truly live by these rules. Not everyone is like this, but I’m a true hustler and a grafter with a strong work ethic. I know there is no such thing as overnight success. But that’s why I don’t just think of the end goal – I really try to enjoy the journey. That mindset really helps you be grateful for every mistake and setback you ever had as it makes you stronger and prepares you for the next thing that is to come.

I really learnt the hard way and put in the hours. When you are underrepresented, you must work twice as hard, but it fuelled me more, as I like to put a positive spin on everything. Don’t let it stop you from doing what you love. You’ve got this, so let the world know as there is space for everyone to shine.

SD – Finally, can you tell us more about your current projects and any future plans or considerations you have? Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

JP – I was recently named a Screen Star of Tomorrow 2024 which truly just doesn’t feel real. To be among so many inspiring and talented individuals is incredible, and I’m really excited to get to know the cohort and hopefully be working and collaborating. I want to continue working with more filmmakers and experience other genres within film/tv. Nothing is off the cards for me.

There’s of course Virdee, the upcoming BBC crime drama limited series which has a predominately south Asian cast. It was such a joy to film, and I love being able to bring even greater representation of this beautiful vibrant community to our screens very soon.

Beyond that, I can’t reveal much else just yet but I’m looking forward to getting even more of the projects I’ve been involved with out into the wild!