Sekhar speak
“I could have stayed back in the US and worked in Hollywood. I did a few internships there but I wanted to come back to India, Hyderabad being home. I knew I didn't belong there, in the US. There are thousands of stories here that need to be told.”
“As an engineer, I had a job in the US. The exposure was good, so was the money. But something was amiss. Joining a film school helped me fill that vacuum.”
“I don't think I can make Anand again. It was a young team, things fell in place and it worked like magic. Back in 2003, when I was shooting in Padmarao Nagar, I used to confidently tell everyone that the film would work. And it did.”
“Some of my crew members, including Anish (Kuruvilla) and editor (Marthand) Venkatesh have worked with me since the beginning, from Dollar Dreams (his debut, which fetched him a National Award). There is a certain comfort level working with some people and I stick to them. Of course, that doesn't mean I am not open to new ideas and new people.”
“People tend to feel that I am ‘arty' and I must have spent my growing up years in creative pursuits. I wasn't good at drawing, painting or singing though I tried now and then. I come from a large family and had a normal upbringing with parents inculcating moral values in us, like in every other home. Nothing fancy.
We listened to Carnatic music and that helped me develop an ear for music and good Telugu lyrics. If I've wanted to incorporate Maa Telugu Talliki or old traditional music in the songs and background, it stems from my growing up years.”
