Zaheer Darbar – Entertainment Editor
Cowboys and Hindus Wins Best Director Award, Celebrates Cast and Crew Excellence: The short film Cowboys and Hindus has earned top honors at the Rock the Shorts Film Festival in Los Angeles, winning the Best Director Award for filmmaker Tejal Shah. The victory highlights the growing influence of South Asian storytellers in Hollywood’s independent film scene.
The film tells the story of two women from opposite sides of the world who discover new meaning in their lives on the open landscapes of the American Southwest. It’s a feel-good journey of friendship and discovery, weaving together two seemingly opposite cultures—Hindu and Cowboy—through humor, emotion, and breathtaking visuals.
From cowboys eating samosas to Hindus line dancing, the film offers a playful yet profound take on cultural exchange. Western dances choreographed to Hindi music mixed with country guitar add to the film’s charm, while sweeping shots of canyons, grasslands, and sunsets enrich its emotional resonance.
At its heart, Cowboys and Hindus is about finding common bonds in an ever-changing world, and learning not just to live with each other, but also with ourselves.
Together, the cast infused the narrative with humor, emotion, and humanity, ensuring that audiences connected to the film’s themes across cultures.
Cast of Cowboys and Hindus
- Sameer Khan as Suresh
- Priya Deva as Asha
- Paula Saletnik as Sally
- Kassie Hunt as Horse Trainer
- Tara Amin as Mira
- Jehu Ramos as Ranch Hand
- Whitney Abraham as Realtor
Shot in Texas in 2024, the film stars Sameer Khan and Priya Deva, marking their second collaboration. Earlier this year, it premiered at the Austin Film Festival in April 2025, where renowned filmmaker Anurag Kashyap was the chief guest.
The film’s writer and director, Tejal Shah, attended the event alongside lead actor Sameer Khan. During the post-award Q&A, Tejal Shah gave a special shout-out to Khan, earning him warm applause from the audience.
“This is just the beginning,” Khan said after the win. “The movie has also qualified for the Oscars in the short film category, and we are keeping our fingers crossed.”
Indeed, 2025 has proven to be a milestone year for Khan. Alongside Cowboys and Hindus, he earned acclaim for the stage play Bismillah and appeared in the feature film Martial Artist, which premiered earlier this year.
Looking forward, Khan has multiple projects lined up. His short film Size Queen will premiere in Los Angeles on October 5, 2025, while Astakfirullah—where he takes on the role of an Arab American—is currently in post-production.
The success of Cowboys and Hindus not only celebrates Shah’s direction but also underscores the expanding presence of South Asian talent in Hollywood, particularly in short films that bring fresh perspectives to the screen. With festival recognition, Oscar qualification, and Khan’s standout performance, the film’s journey is only beginning.
