Pioneers: Parle Patel

What does your work involve? 

I work as a multidisciplinary creative, including acting, content creation, music production, comedy and dance. I have presented national TV (BBC One) and radio (BBC Asian Network) whilst also working on community projects that focus on representing the minority within the global diasporic South Asian Community. I co-run a Gujarati folk dance organisation called Garba Flow and a small indie fashion label called House of Ruhi too.

What inspires you? 

I draw inspiration from a variety of people and movements. My greatest source of inspiration comes from my parents, who have worked hard to establish themselves in the UK, whilst also being attached firmly to their roots. Their story of migration from Kenya to India then to the UK has fascinated me. I am also inspired by many other South Asian artists – too many to name, but all of those who have paved the way, have made it easier to not simply survive but to thrive as a South Asian artist in the UK.

What message would you give to the next generation? 

I would say not to simply follow trends or blindly become a part of an idea or movement simply because the world is going that way. Understand that your views, ideas and lived experience bring nuance to a general narrative – it’s okay to be whoever you are and wherever you are on your own journey, be it as an artist or simply a human on this planet. You, as an individual, matter just as much as the bigger picture.