Meera Syal reflects on her journey in new memoir
Meera Syal’s life is a narrative reminiscent of cinematic storytelling, notably encapsulated in Anita and Me, the film adaptation of her semi-autobiographical novel chronicling her youth in a mining village near Wolverhampton, reports BritPanorama.
Since its publication in 1996, Syal has achieved a diverse career, co-writing and starring in the influential BBC sketch series Goodness Gracious Me, portraying her now-husband Sanjeev Bhaskar’s grandmother in The Kumars at No. 42, and contributing to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s West End musical Bombay Dreams. Her accolades also include an Olivier award for her stage role in Shirley Valentine, appearances in films such as Paddington 2 and Yesterday, and the honour of receiving an MBE, CBE, and damehood.
While Syal has been prolific, her latest work signifies a new venture into non-fiction. Her memoir, Vigilauntie, draws inspiration from the death of her parents, with her father Surendra passing away in 2018 and her mother Surinder Kaur in late 2023. “There is nothing like being orphaned to make you look at your life through a long lens,” she states, acknowledging the shift in her familial responsibilities. “You are acutely aware you’re the end of the line now. You are the matriarch and you will be next.”
Despite potential misconceptions, Syal’s memoir transcends melancholy. It is described as a blend of humour, wisdom, and inspiration, offering readers a deeply moving experience.
The book paints a vivid portrait of Syal’s formative years when she felt a profound sense of isolation. “I hope other people that feel like outsiders find it comforting and maybe even reassuring and inspiring,” she mentions, reflecting on the perspectives from which she has evolved.
Syal’s foray into the arts began early, with her first stage performance in a nursery production of Sleeping Beauty and the composition of poems by age six. She notes, “The key to my survival in Britain depended on being seen and heard,” recognising the importance of sharing her experiences to foster understanding of her community.
In her book, Syal reflects on the “aunties” from her childhood—women of her mother’s generation who faced societal constraints. “You would see those incredible women that were virtually born into a cage,” she recalls, concerned about their lost opportunities. “I didn’t want to be that person.”
Syal further developed her craft at Manchester University, a place she credits with shaping her creative identity. She recalls the influence of notable comedians like Ben Elton and Rik Mayall, whose paths she aspired to follow. “Manchester gave me everything,” she says, highlighting the environment that allowed her to take control of her narrative.
In a heart-wrenching moment from her memoir, Syal recounts an incident at a bus stop in Fallowfield, where she was spat on by a group of young men after a rehearsal. She processed the event as something almost expected in her life at that time, noting the impact of racism on her emotional state. “You feel so diminished and angry afterwards.”
Reflecting on societal changes since that event over four decades ago, Syal expresses concern that incidents of intolerance may still persist. She underscores, “If I happen to be on the streets when Reform UK are doing one of their marches… no one’s going to say, ‘You’ve got an OBE, I’m not going to spit on you.’”
After graduating with a double first, Syal’s career gained traction with her play One of Us, which garnered attention at various festivals. Notably, her encounter with theatre director Carole Hayman led to a pivotal role that defined her career trajectory. “If there’s one sliding-doors moment in the whole book it’s definitely that one,” she affirms.
Amidst her successes, Syal also candidly shares a harrowing experience of sexual assault, illustrating a critical juncture in her life that motivated her to write. This duality of triumph and adversity is a central theme of her memoir, contributing to her authenticity.
Throughout the late 80s and early 90s, Syal continued to establish her presence in the entertainment industry, leading to her involvement in Goodness Gracious Me, a show that became a cultural touchstone for South Asian representation in British media. Despite its accolades, Syal remains puzzled by its cancellation, reflecting on its impact on future generations.
Her evolution continued with roles in The Kumars at No. 42 and other notable projects, alongside her personal journey with Bhaskar. As they navigated their relationship, Syal observed the organic nature of their bond, rooted in a profound understanding of each other.
At 65, Syal remains an active figure in theatre and television, demonstrating her continued relevance in a competitive industry. Despite this, she expressed ongoing concerns about job security and the immigrant fear that shapes her perspective on success. “Whatever I do needs to be meaningful in some way,” she articulates, emphasizing the importance of her work.
In the end, Syal’s reflections in her memoir allow for a heartfelt connection with her younger self, evoking emotions of gratitude for her journey. “The overwhelming feeling I came away with from writing the book was that I have been so very lucky,” she concludes.
Meera Syal’s memoir ‘Vigilauntie: A Memoir – Innit?’ is published by Weidenfeld & Nicolson.
