The Wheel of Time fame Meera Syal recalls older Asian actor tried to rape her in London

Meera Syal (Picture via X)

British-Indian actor and screenwriter Meera Syal has opened up about a traumatic experience she says she faced in London when she was in her 20s. In a recent interview, Syal revealed that an older Asian actor allegedly attempted to rape her after inviting her to his home under the pretext of helping her acting career.

Meera Syal recalls older actor trying to rape

While speaking to Times Of India, Syal, now 65, shared about a harrowing incident she faced in her early years. Ahead of the release of her book Vigilauntie: A Memoir Innit? in India. Meera's book also delves into her Hindu and Sikh parents' lives in India and Partition. The alleged incident dates back to the 1980s, when Syal was trying to establish herself as an actor.

Syal recalled that the senior actor had suggested he could introduce her to casting directors and help her find professional opportunities. Trusting him, she went to his London home. However, she realised that the expected professional meeting was not taking place and that she was alone with him after another guest left.

Speaking about the experience, Syal explained that she stayed for dinner because she trusted the actor and did not want to appear rude. She felt reassured by the fact that he was an older Asian man and reminded her of her father's generation. She said, "He pounced and tried to rape." The situation changed after dinner, when the actor attacked her and attempted to sexually assault her. Syal said she managed to resist and escape.

Meera Syal on why she didn't do a police complaint

The actor and screenwriter also revealed that she did not report the alleged incident to the police at the time. According to her account, she feared the consequences for her Punjabi parents and could not imagine putting them through the process of a criminal trial.

Syal also kept the experience to herself for years. Her decision to speak about it now sheds light on the vulnerability of young actors who may be dependent on established industry figures for career opportunities.

The veteran performer has gone on to become one of Britain's best-known Asian actors and writers. She is widely recognised for her work in The Wheel of Time, Goodness Gracious Me, The Kumars at No. 42 and Bhaji on the Beach, among several other projects. The older actor whom Syal has accused has not been publicly identified. Her disclosure comes amid continuing conversations around sexual misconduct, abuse of power and the exploitation of young performers within the entertainment industry.