Patel is a second-generation immigrant[1] with a Kenyan-Indian father and a Mauritian mother.

She was born in northwest London[2] and was a voracious reader from early in life, reading what she describes as a large amount of "filthy books" for her young age.

[1] She studied English literature at Queen Mary University alongside Sharan Hunjan[3] and Rosh Goyate.

[4] Patel's work on I'm a Fan came after the January 6 United States Capitol attack, when she observed that "Love and hate and destruction all became intertwined, and I thought, This is what it’s like being infatuated with someone who is emotionally unavailable.

[7][8][9][10][11] Patel has previously worked in film and television as an assistant director.