Dame Meera Syal has said she “almost gave up” her career after being sexually harassed and assaulted by two men in the media industry while she was in her 20s.
The Wolverhampton-born actress and comedian discussed the experiences in her new memoir, Vigilauntie, and in an interview with BBC Asian Network’s Amber Haque.
Syal said she was out of work and homeless when the incidents happened in relatively quick succession. She described the first as a “casting couch approach” by a theatre director, who implied she could receive a pantomime role in exchange for sexual acts. She refused and left.
In her memoir, she wrote that an older male actor later invited her to his home on the pretext of helping her career. She said he assaulted her. The actor has since died.
Syal said she did not report either incident to police or tell family and friends at the time, describing it as part of the culture of the industry during the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.
“When I have talked about this incident to other women, particularly of my age, they've all said that happened to me,” she said.
Syal said the experiences could have marked the point at which she abandoned her career. Instead, she found support through women’s groups and became involved with the Newham Asian Women’s Project and Southall Black Sisters.
She said the anger she felt over what happened led her to campaign on issues affecting South Asian women.
“Not only did I survive, I thrived,” Syal said.
Now 65, Syal is known for her work on Goodness Gracious Me and The Kumars at No 42. She also wrote the screenplay for Bhaji on the Beach and co-wrote the musical Bombay Dreams.
Her memoir also discusses her upbringing, motherhood and challenges during her career. Syal was made a dame in the King’s New Year Honours for services to literature, drama and charity.
