Nimesh Patel opens his viral Instagram clip with a question that resonates with many Indian Americans: “Who even asked us to come here?” This witty remark, delivered with his signature comedic flair, kicks off a history lesson wrapped in humor. Patel, the first Indian American writer on Saturday Night Live, is on a mission to set the record straight. Contrary to popular belief, Indians didn’t just arrive in the U.S. in the 70s and 80s; they’ve been here for over a century—since the 1800s.
Patel humorously continues, suggesting, “We were looking for Christopher Columbus. We heard he was looking for us.” This punchline cleverly flips the narrative of colonialism and sets the stage for a comedic yet insightful retelling of the desi migration journey.
The next story he weaves in is that of Bhagat Singh Thind, a Punjabi immigrant who fought in World War I and then fought for U.S. citizenship. In 1923, the Supreme Court had to decide whether Thind was “white” enough to be granted citizenship. The verdict was a resounding no, and Patel delivers this moment with dry humor, “Nope. Go back to India.”
The story then fast-forwards to 1965, when the Asian Exclusion Act was lifted, allowing Indian immigration to resume. Patel jokes that during the years in India, immigrants were not idle but preparing for their eventual return. “We were studying, getting ready. If Americans loved three things—food, sleep, and driving—then we were ready to provide: Gas, meds, and beds, baby.” This catchphrase captures the essence of the immigrant hustle, as many Indians ran motels, pharmacies, and medical clinics across the U.S.
Patel, who grew up in Parsippany, New Jersey, draws from his own family’s immigrant journey. His father started as a cashier and eventually opened a liquor store in a rough Newark neighborhood, experiencing the highs and lows of immigrant life firsthand. Patel’s personal story adds depth to his stand-up, with his unique journey from pre-med student to a comedian who now brings the immigrant experience to mainstream American comedy.
The clip has sparked an outpouring of comments, with viewers sharing their own reflections on the Indian American experience. From discussions about early Punjabi-Mexican unions to comparisons with Avatar: The Last Airbender, Patel’s retelling of history is striking a chord, blending humor with insightful commentary.
Patel’s comedy isn’t just for laughs—it’s a way to reflect on overlooked histories through the lens of comedy. His message is clear: While Indians may not have been deemed “white” in 1923, by 2025, they’re thriving, buying homes, and making a mark on American society.
