Oct 4, 2025

“The Patel Motel Story” explores the history of Indian immigrants in the US hotel industry. The short film includes this photo of Dhayabhai Patel and Santaben Patel, in front of a motel their family once owned in Palo Alto, California. Courtesy Amar Shah and Rahul Rohatgi.

Little kids line up in white graduation caps and gowns. Family members pose for formal photos at a wedding. Cousins laugh as they cut into the frosting of a giant birthday cake.These scenes from Amar Shah’s childhood flash across the screen in a new film. And they share something in common.

All the photos were taken at motels owned by Indian immigrant families.

Shah grew up in that world.

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