Yesterday, Rekha or Rekha-ji as Mulayam Singh wants people to address her, took oath as a member of the Rajya Sabha. Clad in golden brown saree, the 57-year-old actress arrived in the Upper House at 10.57 hours and was immediately surrounded by members who greeted her profusely.

Journalist and nominated member H K Dua offered her his seat no. 97 and was seen explaining the procedure before Chairman Hamid Ansari took his seat.

She was greeted with thumping of desk when her name was called for taking oath. "I Rekha Ganeshan" she said, swearing in the name of God in her brief oath in English.

Ansari remarked "welcome" as she walked up to him after taking oath and greeted him with folded hands. After signing the member register, she greeted Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Leader of the Opposition Arun Jaitley and other leaders before walking to her alloted seat no. 99.

Nineteen minutes and 23 seconds into the proceedings, Rekha stood up, shook hands with Aga and Dua before making a quiet exit from the House.