After a brief stint in engineering with CITI-CORP, Sekhar took up a Masters course at the Howard University, graduating in fine arts. Making his debut, Sekhar directed the independent film Dollar Dreams in 2000, which went on to win him the National Film Award for Best First Film of a Director at the 47th National Film Awards. Post the wide acclaim and appreciation that his debut movie won him, Sekhar directed the 2004 movie Anand, which was declared a blockbuster at the box-office and wowed the audience. Continuing to churn out one hit after the other, Sekhar was associated with movies such as Godavari, Happy Days, Leader, and Anaamika, which is the Telugu remake of the hit Hindi movie Kahaani. In 2017, the award-winning director went on to direct the Sai Pallavi and Varun Tej-starrer Fidaa.