Dame Meera Syal has revealed for the first time that she was sexually assaulted by a fellow actor early in her career, an encounter she says changed the course of her life and work.
The 65-year-old British screen star entered the industry in the 1980s, taking roles in TV mini-series and one-off parts. In a new interview, she described a period when she was working as a jazz singer in Covent Garden and considering a return to the West Midlands.
Assault after dinner
An established older Asian actor, roughly her father's age and with connections to casting directors, invited her to a gathering. Hoping it would boost her career, she accepted. Soon after arriving, she was left alone with the unnamed actor, who tried to rape her after dinner.
According to The Times, she 'froze in fear but managed to clamp her legs together', though the actor continued his sexual assault. She never reported the incident, wanting to spare her parents a public criminal trial, and told no one at the time. Years later, she confided in close female friends who shared similar experiences.
'It completely changed my life'
'This is the first time I've spoken about this publicly,' Syal said. 'It completely changed my life and the direction of my career. I could have given up, but instead I sought out a group of South Asian writers.'
'They encouraged me to write more, they found me a place to live, they healed me and awakened me politically,' she added.
By the mid-1990s she was becoming a household name through shows such as Goodness Gracious Me and The Kumars at No. 42. She said the experience inspired her to write strong female characters, which became a defining feature of those programmes.
Reflections on a changing industry
Syal acknowledged that British television has changed since that era. 'It was a golden age of sketch comedy, alternative comedy and Cool Britannia. There was a real embracing of multicultural Britain. How times have changed,' she said, speaking ahead of the release of her memoir, Vigilauntie.
Rape Crisis England & Wales offers support for anyone affected by sexual violence, via its 24/7 free helpline on 0808 500 2222.
