‘Mad Unicorn’ actor Ice Natara on his journey to discovering the soul of acting

The 34-year-old actor revealed two main reasons why he decided to take on the series. First, he trusted director Kai Nottapon Boonprakob, with whom he had previously worked on the film One for the Road. Second, the script and story were good, based on real-life people, and it was his first experience in this type of work.

“I believe in Kai. I know he’s a man of intuition and understands humanity. The better the script he writes, the better the actors can [tell the story]. What the script demands of me is a huge challenge for me. It’s also something new I’ve never done before, and I’m eager to try.”

Ice recounts that in his life as an actor, what he prioritises and is interested in is researching and understanding the character’s life, including the society surrounding that person, because it is an opportunity for him to go out and experience a new world he has never encountered before.

“It’s an interest in humanity, a desire to learn about who people are and explore those things through the art of acting. I love the private moments of being with myself and the work we do in a new world I’ve never experienced. For me, that’s special, and it’s the first thing that draws me into the world of acting.”

As with the series Mad Unicorn, the biggest challenge for him was trying to understand the feelings of the character Santi.

“Understanding the life of someone like this, with such a strong drive, is the most difficult thing, because our lives are so far removed from theirs. What he experienced as a child is almost incomparable to what we experience. As actors, we must try to tap into that feeling and convey it as honestly as possible to the audience.”

Read more: Behind the success of the series 'Mad Unicorn': inspiration from the original creator, to the dedication and determination of Kai Nottapon Boonprakob

The actor told Tatler that he’s been in the character for eight months. When asked what he likes about Santi, he confidently answers that it’s his dedication and commitment. Santi gives his all, and so does he. So it’s only natural that he’d want fans to keep an eye on the series. But the feedback he’s received has far exceeded his expectations.

“When we make a series, we hope that viewers will come and watch the stories we tell. But the feedback for the series Mad Unicorn' has far surpassed our expectations. It’s clear that everywhere I go, everyone knows Santi. Whether it’s the noodle shop or the rice and curry shop I go to, or the park I go jogging in, even when I’m riding a motorcycle taxi and wearing a mask, they still recognise my voice and ask me if I’m Santi,” the handsome 183-centimetre-tall actor admits with a smile. “My life has really changed.”

With a laugh he shares, “Recently, the grandmother of the noodle shop owner told me that she and her family had already watched the show twice, but the second time was more fun because she could absorb more details.

Sometimes kids ask to take a photo with me quoting a line by Santi: ‘I want to be at the front of the line.’ There was a really funny incident where someone saw us and said, ‘You look so clear-faced, too.’ It was like they saw me in the show and were confused, like, ‘Oh... you look so clear-faced in real life?’ It’s a strange feeling.”

The success of the series Mad Unicorn has shown Ice the power of storytelling.

“If we had tried to tell the story like a typical business film, it might not have been as relatable. But Kai, the director, and Keng and Wan, the producers from GDH, made this movie fun and accessible to a wider audience.”

These not only gave the young actor, who is part of the Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow, more motivation in his work, but also taught him another very important lesson for his life.

“I love being an actor. I love experimenting, understanding, developing and expressing myself through my body, feelings and thoughts. But what’s more important than my love of acting is when a story is valuable and beneficial to others. I’ve received many messages on my Instagram thanking me for making this series. It’s a source of strength and encouragement that makes me want to get up and do something.

“Some want to become actors, and it gives them more passion. Some want to become businesspeople, and it rekindles their fire from watching this series. This reinforces my acting goal: I want to do my best with every job and opportunity that comes my way.”

Meet more Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow 2025 here.

NOW READ

Banned but not beaten: Pita Limjaroenrat is building a new generation of leaders from Harvard

Tatler Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow 2025 list reveals future leaders who will help shape Asia's future

Punnat Punsri, Thailand's number one poker player and four-time Triton champion, has a big goal for the 2025 World Championship