Dame Meera Syal's new memoir discusses her upbringing, motherhood and the challenges she encountered in her career
Dame Meera Syal has said she "almost gave up" her career after being sexually harassed and assaulted by two "predators" within the media industry.
"I was out of work, I was homeless, sleeping on people's floors, and then these two things happened in quite quick succession," the Wolverhampton-born star said in a candid interview with BBC Asian Network's Amber Haque.
In her new memoir, Vigilauntie, which was published on Thursday, the actress shared that both incidents happened in her 20s, as she was struggling to secure a role.
Now aged 65, she has opened up about the harrowing experiences and reflected on how she overcame them to become one of the most well-known faces on British TV.
Syal (left) in Goodness Gracious Me! with co-star Nina Wadia
"It could have been a point where I gave up," she explained.
"It put some fire in my belly because the reason I wanted to tell these stories is that I did survive, and not only did I survive, I thrived.
"The anger of the injustice of the situation made me seek out a bunch of women that changed the course of my life."
Syal described the first incident as "my first casting couch approach".
She wrote that the man, a theatre director, insinuated he would give her a role in a pantomime if she engaged in sexual acts with him. She refused and was able to leave.
During a chat with BBC Asian Network, the star spoke openly about how the experience has shaped who she is today
However, a few weeks later an older male actor invited her to his home under the guise that he would help her progress with her career. Instead he assaulted her, she wrote in her book.
The comedy star, known for shows including Goodness Gracious Me and The Kumars at No 42, did not report the incidents to the police and did not tell family or friends as it "was the culture" of the industry at the time.
She recalled: "When I have talked about this incident to other women, particularly of my age, they've all said that happened to me and a lot of them have never talked about it because it was part of the culture.
