Born on May 10, 1957, in Nonavinakere village of Tumakuru district, Umashree grew up in poverty. She gained recognition in professional theatre by portraying several mythological and historical characters.

She made her entry into the film industry with a supporting role in the 1984 Kannada movie Anubhava, directed by Kashinath. Known for her performances, Umashree went on to win the National Film Award for her acting.

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Political journey began with Bangarappa's KCP

Umashree entered politics in 1994 through former Karnataka Chief Minister S Bangarappa's Karnataka Congress Party (KCP). She contested from the Hubballi constituency that year but was defeated.

In 2001, she was elected as a member of the Karnataka Legislative Council for the first time. She continued as a Legislative Council member until 2008.

In the 2008 Assembly elections, Umashree contested from the Terdal constituency in Bagalkot district on a Congress ticket but lost to BJP candidate Siddu Savadi.

However, in the 2013 Assembly elections, she defeated Siddu Savadi from the same constituency and entered the Karnataka Legislative Assembly for the first time.

Served as minister in Siddaramaiah government

Later, Umashree served as the Women and Child Development Minister in the cabinet of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for five years.

She faced defeat in the 2018 Assembly elections. In 2023, she was elected again as a member of the Karnataka Legislative Council.

With her election as the Deputy Chairperson of the Legislative Council, Umashree has taken charge of the new constitutional position after a long journey in theatre, cinema and politics.