From his breakout role in “Teen Spirit” to portraying matthew in “The Chosen,” Paras Patel opens up about faith, representation and discovering purpose

Paras Patel by Lensbymi for DAMAN June 001.jpg — Blazer by BOSS; shirt by Rodd & Gunn; pants by AG Jeans

When Paras Patel was cast as Matthew in the religious TV series “The Chosen,” he had no idea the series would reach hundreds of millions around the world—or that it would transform how he saw himself as an actor. Now, five seasons in, he opens up about leaning into faith, breaking boundaries in representation, and how telling meaningful stories has reshaped his own.

Paras Patel by Lensbymi for DAMAN June 002.jpg — Denim jacket by Levi’s

DAMAN: We see you’ve been busy with the premiere of season five of “The Chosen.” How are you feeling as everything comes together?
Paras Patel: It is truly a surreal moment. From where we started to where we are now, it has been an incredible journey. As we start season six, the crucifixion season, it is bittersweet. We are toward the end of the series and in the hardest moments of the show. I’m feeling a bit nervous but excited to continue telling the story, especially my character Matthew’s journey through it.

Paras Patel by Lensbymi for DAMAN June 004.jpg — Shirt by Rodd & Gun; denim pants by Levi’s; boots by Kenneth Cole

DA: What’s it been like to reconnect with the cast, crew and audience?
PP: I always look forward to getting the band back together! We are all such a close family and we’ve been through so many ups and downs together, so I look forward to creating more memories with my cast and crew family. Having just finished premiering season five across the world, it has been an amazing moment to really connect with our audience. They are the reason the show is a global success but seeing how impacted and grateful they are really warms my heart.

DA: The character of Matthew has become such a fan favorite. What has it meant to you personally to walk in his shoes for five seasons?
PP: Portraying Matthew is truly a role of a lifetime. As an actor, I think it is really rare to be portraying a role that is impacting you and inspiring you on a personal level. The journey of Matthew on the show from who he was (unaccepted, not seen, disrespected, misunderstood) to where he is now (confident, self-assured, strong) has been such a beautiful story to tell. Matthew is someone who leans into challenges and obstacles because he knows at the end of the day it will lead to growth. He always strives to be the best version of himself. Portraying Matthew has given me so many welcome challenges and allowed me to grow personally. I’ve really learned a lot about my own strengths and weaknesses walking in Matthew’s shoes and it motivates me to continue to keep working my hardest.

Paras Patel by Lensbymi for DAMAN June 005.jpg — Shirt by Rodd & Gunn

DA: One of the most touching aspects of your role is how Matthew is portrayed as neurodivergent. How did you prepare for that aspect of the character, and what kind of conversations has it sparked for you off-screen?
PP: I think portraying Matthew as neurodivergent is one of the best decisions “The Chosen”—specifically our showrunner and creator Dallas Jenkins—made. It allowed a whole community to feel seen and accepted. They are seeing a version of themselves they can identify with. I get so many messages from both people who are neurodivergent and not, relating to Matthew’s struggles and obstacles. When they see him overcome them and learn about himself throughout the process, it inspires them to take that into their own lives and implement it. It is really rare to be playing a character who is truly changing people’and educating the world in the process.

Paras Patel by Lensbymi for DAMAN June 006.jpg — Sweater by Zadig&Voltaire; shirt by Peter Millar; denim pants by Levi’s

As far as preparation goes, I had some great collaborative conversations with Dallas Jenkins, as well as watched anything I could relating to people who are neurodivergent to get a sense of mannerisms and truly get into the mindset. 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.

Paras Patel by Lensbymi for DAMAN June 007.jpg — Jacket by Zadig&Voltaire

There have been many conversations sparked off-screen about Matthew’s portrayal. One story is a father tearfully explaining he is able to communicate with his daughter more because when she was watching an episode of the show, she exclaimed “Matthew is just like me.” It allowed him and his wife to have a conversation and realize their child is neurodivergent. There have been countless other stories like this. The greatest takeaway is that families are able to understand their loved ones better and communicate through recognizing similar behaviors as Matthew’s.

Paras Patel by Lensbymi for DAMAN June 008.jpg — Coat by Boss; T-shirt by Joseph Abboud; pants by Levi’s; boots by Kenneth Cole

DA: Looking back at your journey—from “Teen Spirit” to now—what would you say has been your biggest lesson or turning point?
PP: I believe everything is a learning lesson whether it is good or bad. As much as I struggled and doubted myself at times, I had to go through those moments to be where I am now. I realize it is important to trust the process. I follow the mantra, “What is for you will not pass you,” and I truly believe that. “Teen Spirit” was the first booking I got but also my first audition ever. I was so new to the industry and I truly can see how far I have come. Most importantly, I have found my voice, my confidence and I am not afraid to speak up for what I want. There is power in that.

I believe everything is a learning lesson whether it is good or bad … I realize it is important to trust the process.

Paras Patel by Lensbymi for DAMAN June 009.jpg — Jacket by Rodd & Gunn; T-shirt by Vince

DA: As a proud Indian-American in this industry, how has your cultural identity influenced your choices?
PP: One hundred percent proud! Growing up, I rarely saw South Asians represented in TV or film and if they were it was stereotypical caricatures. Those types of portrayals impacted my childhood growing up in the South and constantly being made the butt of a dumb 7 Eleven joke. It is so important now to find authentic South Asian stories, 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.

Paras Patel by Lensbymi for DAMAN June 010.jpg — Outfit by Zadig&Voltaire; boots by Kenneth Cole

As far as choices I’ve made, sometimes we make decisions that aren’t exactly the best ones because we are afraid of saying no, but it ends up being a personal teachable moment. During my early days I did a comedic role where I had to have an Indian accent. I remember feeling a bit conflicted because I wasn’t sure if they were laughing at the accent or the physical comedy. After that moment, I made the decision to always speak up for myself when it comes to things that I feel may perpetuate a stereotype.

DA: You represent a growing voice for South Asian talent in Hollywood. How do you see your role in shaping the next generation of storytellers?
PP: If anything I hope it inspires the South Asian community but also shows them that there is a space for everyone in this industry. Because of the lack of roles, there’s always this competitive nature among actors because they feel that there is not enough space at the table. I hope by seeing me on “The Chosen,” they see that there are roles for South Asians in many genres and it makes them feel that they can do it too. I would also love my next project to be something with a South Asian storyline. Honestly, just having more South Asian leads is enough. We need more representation and I hope these storytellers can see that it is happening. I am one example.

DA: What do you think still needs to change in the industry when it comes to cultural authenticity?
PP: I think studios and networks just need to take a chance or bigger risks, like casting someone diverse as the main lead or going with a complete unknown. There is no reward without risk. Sometimes, things seem so formulaic because that method has worked in the past—which is probably why there is such an obsession about reboots these days.

I think studios and networks just need to take a chance or bigger risks … There is no reward without risk

As far as cultural authenticity is concerned, it starts with writers. The industry needs to bring in more South Asian writers who have the knowledge and life experiences to write on projects. You do see some initiatives like writers labs and things happening, so there is an effort, but I think that is where taking a chance on these storytellers is important.

DA: Would you be open to acting in Indian cinema or Bollywood?
PP: That was actually what I wanted to do but I grew up in the States! My entire childhood existence was watching Bollywood movies and listening to Hindi music. I still do, actually! Never say never—maybe one day I can honor the dream of that inner child and work in Hindi cinema or TV. The kind of role that would excite me would be a villain or something out of the box or that plays against my type. I think being in a historical show during the Mughal era would be interesting.

Outfit by Zadig&Voltaire; boots by Kenneth Cole

DA: What’s next for you?
PP: 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. The global phenomenon it has become is truly a really, really rare thing. We went from crowdfunded and not knowing we could finish our next season to releasing seasons globally and now being on Amazon Prime. It’s also incredibly rare to be on a guaranteed seven-season show, so I am just enjoying my time with my cast and crew family because soon this will all be a memory. I am open to any collaborations as long as the story has merit. Having worked my way up into this business, I’d love to work with new storytellers and help amplify their voices.

Coat by Boss; T-shirt by Joseph Abboud; pants by Levi’s; boots by Kenneth Cole

DA: And lastly, as you continue evolving, what’s one intention you’re carrying with you into the future?
PP: You enter this world with nothing and leave this world with nothing, so always stay grounded and humble.

Photography Lens By Mi
Styling Kimberly Yvette Goodnight
Grooming Natasha Greissing for Exclusive Artists using Smashbox Cosmetics and KMS Hair
Location AE Studio

Inside the world of Paras Patel of “Teen Spirit” and “The Chosen” fame

AE Studio,

KIMBERLY YVETTE GOODNIGHT,

Lens by Mi,

Natasha Greissing,

Paras Patel