Jason Patel is a rising star of the screen - from acting to singing, Jason is a multi-talented performer set to make his silver screen debut as a leading role in the feature film, ‘Unicorns’, alongside Ben Hardy.

‘Unicorns’ follows the unexpected and heartwarming love story between Jason’s character, a queer South Asian nightclub performer living a double life and a young, single father who works as a mechanic (Ben Hardy). The film tackles issues of identity and belonging, while authentically celebrating queer asian communities.

We recently had a conversation with Jason, who features as our cover star, about his experience working on ‘Unicorns’, his growing music career and upcoming EP release, and the importance of diversity and representation in the entertainment industry.

You are making your silver screen debut in a leading role in the feature film Unicorns, alongside Ben Hardy (Bohemian Rhapsody). What was it like for you to land this role? 

I was a genuine pinch me, slap me in face, ‘Is this really happening?' moment. I was working my whole life to land a dream project and an incredible role like this. To get to this point, people don’t necessarily see all the hours, efforts and graft one does to be able to secure this kind of role. When I first heard of the project and auditioned I was already following a super strict regime because I was really hopeful about getting this one. It just felt like a perfect fit for me and I wasn’t going to let this opportunity pass me by. I wanted to put myself out there. I needed people to know that Jason Patel had something to say in more ways than one, so when I got offered the role I was absolutely ecstatic - it felt like things were really about to go to the next level for me.

What was the audition process like?

It was a pretty standard audition process on the whole. I actually emailed them myself which is a little unusual as well having been submitted. Then I did self tapes, had a zoom with the writer and directors (James Krishna Floyd & Sally El-Hosaini) and went into a screen/chemistry test where I met Ben. I did two contrasting scenes from the film including a really flirty one in the beginning and a really heartfelt one, and also played around with those scenes. It was really fun and exciting if I'm honest. I then topped it off with a full on drag performance with an iconic costume reveal just to really liven it all up! I think by this point in the day there were people in the room who were no longer needed and planning to head on home, but I said to them "Why not stay and enjoy the show - the more the merrier!” 

I know the main goal is to get the role like ever actor wants, but for me I also just really wanted to enjoy myself, give every piece of myself and to let them get to know me. I went away from that final audition thinking, that was the best I have ever given and if I don’t end up getting this project, I can wholehearted say I did enough and I got more than enough from it, I had a great day! We all know now that I obviously got the role which is fantastic but auditions are a gruelling process that can take a lot out of you, physically and mentally, so it's great when you get the pay off - I feel so humbled and grateful I get to do this for a living. 

This film tackles issues of identity and belonging, while authentically celebrating queer Asian communities.  What was the process for getting into character for this role? Do you relate to your character in any way?

I related a lot to Aysha/Ashiq. I brought parts of my life experiences to this role which was special. I sing one of my own songs as Aysha which is super cool! Getting into character for me really was a musical process. For example I soundtracked their life and had songs for every scene which helped me get into certain moods. I was also researching and had got to know a lot of the queens you see in the film through having been to these incredibly creative queer alt south asian club nights. I took a lot of inspiration from them. Working with James and Sally was a collaborative process. We were so detailed in our preparation. I had been trained to learn all my lines as I had a long standing career in theatre so that’s what I knew, but I wanted to bring this disciplined process into this so I was fully prepared. But then I have to let it all go on set and just be fully present in the moment, even when the camera wasn’t on me for a scene. I had mood boards and collaborative sessions with hair, makeup and costume so we could all collectively build the layers that make these characters turn from 2D into 3D, and the extra sparkle is that 4D sensation. I’ve got all the love for Aysha/Ashiq. They will hold a special place in my soul. I related to the character because I have an independent mindset myself. I moved from my home to pursue my dreams, discover the world and grow as a person. We are all on this journey to know who we are and to love and be loved. That's at the core of how I related to this character - It’s all love baby! 

You star alongside Ben Hardy in this film. What was it like working with him, and the rest of the cast, and what was your experience like when filming?

Working with Ben Hardy was like working with someone I knew for years. We had instant chemistry, we are still the closest of friends to this date and are stuck with each other forever. I have biggest the love and respect for him. We were tuned into each other and became intertwined. It’s something I can’t ever fully describe to anyone in the world unless you experience it for yourself, but you create such a bond that lasts a lifetime. He taught me a lot by not having to tell me a lot. We have the same hard working attitude which is one of many reasons we just work tremendously well together. We love the craft, and want to do the best possible job. He is patient and calm, it balanced my high energy out. My whole filming experience was unbelievable. It all felt right and perfect and I feel that every time I'm on set. It is what I'm meant to be doing and I say that with my chest. The cast and crew were so tight and passionate about this project. It was a family we created and they are all Unicorns. You don’t always have this closeness but everyone that was there wanted to be there and it shows when you watch the film. Every single cast member was superb and I don't have anything but good things to say. I do have a massive soft spot for Taylor who plays Jamie (Luke’s son) in the film. He is a sweetheart! 

‘Unicorns’ is directed by BAFTA-nominated film director and screenwriter Sally El-Hosaini. What was it like to work with her?

I couldn’t believe I, Jason Patel was going to be working with THE SALLY EL-HOSAINI!  We must protect Sally at all costs. She has the biggest heart of gold. Her talents are, as we all know, out of this world. It was a true pleasure and privilege to be on this journey with her and to get to know her in this process. I hope to work with her in the future because she is one of the most intelligent, interesting and caring people I’ve ever met. She is a gift that keeps on giving. Her international and varied life experience really touched me as I felt similar to how she did growing up so I had this connection with her. She really loves authenticity and honesty and I truly became a better performer because of her. She allowed me to see things for myself and I have now continued to use to every project since we wrapped on Unicorns. 

The conversation around representation and showcasing talent from a diverse range of backgrounds is an ongoing one for the entertainment industry at large. Do you feel like the narrative is changing and opportunities are becoming more equally available for talent across all backgrounds?

This film really showcases a lot of diversity on multiple layers and provides positive representation for many communities who don’t have a light shined on them. I truly feel a shift in our industry, but this will only continue if we continue to speak our minds and write ourself into the narratives. If life has ever taught me anything it’s that no one is going to hand your dreams to you on a plate. If you don’t ask, you don’t get. I can sit and mope around but in reality it will never achieve anything. It is a hard pill to swallow, but nothing worth having in life comes easy. There is a shift in our industry and the narratives are changing, but not to the point I would say they're anywhere near close to becoming equally available for talent across all backgrounds. There is a lot of work to be done, but someone has to do it and if it has to be me then so be it. I will do it, because I truly believe everyone deserves a chance in this world and there is space for everyone to shine. All I want is to make people happy when I am not there, that’s what legacy artist have done for me and it is what I will do with my life.  

As well as acting, you are a musician, and even wrote and performed several tracks for this film which will be featured on your upcoming EP, ‘Delicious’. How was it for you to be able to incorporate both music and acting into this role?

As musician, being able to pitch my artistry and incorporate that side of who I am into this project was the cherry on top. I believe it fully cements me as a multi-hyphenate and allows people to see me as more than what meets the eye. I always have equal passion for both art forms and being able to cross them on a project has been such a big moment - as well as a real learning curve in understanding how to write for film or a certain brief. It gave me confidence in writing for other artists and projects. It’s organic that both music and acting feed into each other and compliment one another. They support each other and make each one stronger and unique. Incorporating both into this role meant that I could give Aysha the performer a real performance, and one that is from the soul with a heartbeat the naked eye can see. This process allowed me to recognise the type of future projects I want to be involved in and the things I'm interested in saying in both film and music.

Your EP, titled ‘Delicious’, just released. How would you describe your sound? Do you have any predominant musical influences?

Delicious is finally out to the whole wide world to listen and love. It's sexy soulful project which is the journey of my sound as an artist. It takes time to find not just your voice, but your sound as an artist. It creates the world in which the song lives within. I would describe my sound as R&B with cultural influences, layers of harmonies with a cheeky chilled attitude. My influences stem from Jeff Buckley, Prince, Lady Gaga, Victoria Monet, Giveon, David Bowie, H.E.R and SZA. I know that’s a lot of artists but I really don’t stick to a specific genre or era of music. I have appreciation across the board. Music inspires music. Sonically, my music takes inspiration from Bollywood, Traditional Indian songs paralleling with the pop and R&B on the TV, and timeless songs being played in my Dad's old pub when I was younger. I think this fusion of cultures gives way to exploration and experimentation. The music I loved and became excited about was bold and different. It's only right that I feel that way with my own sound. I want to be blasting it from my speakers!.