Amar Shah and Rahul Rohtagi’s short film “The Patel Motel Story” explores the transformative impact of Indian immigrants on the American hospitality industry, highlighting resilience and the reimagining of the American dream.
In the spring of 2018, Amar Shah sparked a conversation on social media that would resonate with many. His Twitter thread, which quickly went viral, addressed the backlash surrounding the character of Apu from “The Simpsons.” Shah argued that, despite the stereotypes, Apu represented the reality of countless children like him—those who grew up in immigrant families, often helping out in their parents’ small businesses.
Shah’s reflections on his childhood experiences at his father’s gas station mini-mart in rural America revealed the challenges faced by immigrant families. He wrote about the fears that accompanied working behind the counter, including the anxiety of theft or even the threat of violence. This candid portrayal of immigrant life became the foundation for a viral essay in the Washington Post and later inspired his award-winning screenplay, “Gas-N-Shop.”
Now, with his new short film, “The Patel Motel Story,” co-directed with Rahul Rohtagi, Shah turns his focus to the untold narratives of Indian immigrants who have reshaped the American hospitality landscape. This 13-minute documentary premiered at the Tribeca Festival in New York and is currently making its way through various film festivals.
In a conversation with The American Bazaar, Shah and Rohtagi shared a striking statistic: Indian Americans, despite comprising only about 1 percent of the U.S. population, own more than 40 percent of all motels in the country. This remarkable achievement is rooted in the determination of the early “Patel motel” pioneers who laid the groundwork for future generations.
Both directors have personal connections to the immigrant experience. While Rohtagi’s parents were doctors, he acknowledges that the stories of hard work and sacrifice are common among immigrant families. These early impressions fueled their passion for documenting the lives of those who have contributed to the American hospitality industry.
Rohtagi explained their inspiration for the film, noting that they grew up hearing stories from family friends and acquaintances who came from India and started small businesses, often in the motel industry. The idea of transforming these memories into a documentary took time to develop, but the two eventually recognized the importance of telling this story.
Shah and Rohtagi’s journey to create the documentary was not without challenges. They faced the difficulty of piecing together a narrative with limited documentation, relying heavily on personal anecdotes. A significant breakthrough came when they connected with historian Mahendra K. Doshi, who was researching the history of Indian immigrants in the hospitality sector. Doshi’s work, particularly his book “Surat to San Francisco,” provided crucial insights into how Patels from Gujarat began establishing their motel empire in the United States.
One of the key figures in this narrative is Kanji Manchu Desai, who is credited with laying the foundation for many families from Gujarat. According to Shah, Desai arrived in the U.S. in the mid-1930s and eventually owned the first motel operated by an Indian. His vision extended beyond personal success; he encouraged other Indians to lease motels, offering guidance and support during a time when many faced discrimination and limited access to financial resources.
Rohtagi noted that Desai’s influence was profound, as he provided handshake loans to many newcomers who were eager to start their own businesses. This support was especially crucial at a time when racism was prevalent, and many motels advertised themselves as “American owned” to deter potential customers from patronizing establishments run by immigrants.
However, Desai’s journey was not without its challenges. Rohtagi shared that he became undocumented after overstaying his visa, ultimately leading to his deportation. Despite this setback, Desai’s legacy lives on through the families he inspired, many of whom have turned their small motel operations into successful enterprises.
The documentary, while only 13 minutes long, serves as a starting point for a larger narrative that Shah and Rohtagi hope to expand into a feature film or series. They have already screened the film at various festivals, including the International South Asian Film Festival of Canada and the Tasveer South Asian Film Festival in Seattle.
Since its release, Shah has received numerous accounts from motel owners eager to share their own compelling stories. The filmmakers are excited to explore these narratives further, as they believe there are many more journeys to uncover within this rich tapestry of immigrant experiences.
For Shah and Rohtagi, “The Patel Motel Story” is not just a film; it represents a reclamation of a legacy that has quietly redefined the American dream for countless families. As they continue to share these stories, they hope to shed light on the resilience and ingenuity of those who have contributed to the hospitality industry in the United States.
Source: Original article