Thiruvananthapuram, May 5 : Actor-turned-politician Ramesh Pisharody, who scripted an impressive victory in Keralaâ??s Palakkad Assembly constituency, winning by a margin of 13,147 votes in his electoral debut, on Tuesday declared that he will step away from cinema and stage shows to dedicate himself fully to public life.

"For the next five years, my life will be only for Palakkad," Pisharody, who contested as a Congress candidate, said after the verdict, signalling a decisive shift from performance to public service.

Known for his wit and easy connect with audiences, he now faces the more exacting stage of governance.

The contest had drawn attention for its unusual mix of candidates. BJP's Shobha Surendran brought considerable political experience, while CPI-M-backed independent N.M.R. Razak added a distinct flavour as a noted hotelier.

In contrast, Pisharody entered the fray as a political outsider, relying on popularity and grassroots engagement rather than organisational pedigree.

His candidature came at a time when the Congress was searching for a credible replacement following turbulence in the constituency.

The brief tenure of Youth Congress leader Rahul Mammkootathil had ended abruptly, compelling the party to turn to a figure who could quickly resonate with voters.

Pisharody, long associated with public events and known for his sharp, observational humour, emerged as that choice.

Despite initial scepticism over his lack of political experience, his campaign gathered momentum, striking a chord with a cross-section of voters.

His messaging remained simple, focused on accessibility, humility and service rather than adversarial politics.

Reacting to his victory, Pisharody said the result reaffirmed the essence of democracy, respect for the people.

"This verdict reminds us that governance must be for the people, not over them," he noted, thanking every voter in Palakkad.

He also acknowledged party workers who worked tirelessly, often at personal cost, and supporters who rallied behind him from across the world.

Pisharodyâ??s decision to step away from his artistic career underscores the seriousness of his political commitment.

Calling acting his livelihood, he said he was prepared to embrace a simpler life, if required.

His victory signals a broader shift in voter sentiment in openness to candidates beyond traditional political moulds.

For Pisharody, the applause of the stage has now given way to the expectations of public office, where credibility will be measured not in performance, but in delivery.

/IANS