“I entered politics and social service to be among people, to overcome pain, and to immerse myself in public life,” veteran actor and former Minister Umashree revealed in an emotional thanksgiving speech on the floor of the Legislative Council on Tuesday.

She was unanimously elected Deputy Chairperson of the Upper House on Tuesday.

Responding to compliments from members cutting across party lines, many of whom referred to her early-life struggles as a single mother of two, Ms. Umashree recalled her growth as an artist and politician, thanking her family as well as those who helped her attain the position.

“I have succeeded in overcoming pain and loneliness by being with people.”

The actor, who has acted in about 400 films, comes from a theatre background.

Recalling efforts by her friends in the film industry to find her a match for a second marriage, she said, “I refused after a conversation with my daughter. Should we get love only from a husband or a mother? Social work has brought me closer to people.”

She also recollected her party work, especially the intense contest between Congress leader Sonia Gandhi and former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in Ballari in 1999.

“When people saw me as an artist, the Congress party gave me opportunities in politics. I have gone through both insults and honour in the film industry and in politics,” she said.