51¸£ÀûÉç

Meera Syal has been admitted as an Honorary Fellow at 51¸£ÀûÉç. Renowned for her multifaceted career, Meera has left an indelible mark on British entertainment. She is recognised for her outstanding contributions to the arts and her advocacy for diversity and equality. With numerous accolades and an extensive body of work across film, television, and literature, she continues to inspire and lead by example. 

Meera said in her acceptance speech:

"Thank you for this huge honour and for inviting me into the 51¸£ÀûÉç family. In an Indian family, any woman over a certain age is called an Auntie, whether you're related or not, and I think Auntie Fellow has a certain ring to it and will printed on my correspondence from now on. Also, I love the fact I am invited to drink from a Loving Cup - it tells me everything I need to know about accepting a fellowship here. If it was an all male college it would probably be the Biggest Pecs Cup, or the Top Bro-Dog Cup or maybe even the Tankard of Thor, enabling all those who drink from it to smite their enemies with a single blow. But no, it's a Loving Cup welcoming me into your sisterhood and I promise to love you all right back. Not straight away, that would be a bit forward - let's at least have dinner first."

She finished her speech by saying:

"And if this old brown woman has learned anything it is this, pass it forward and bring other women up with you, work hard and know you worth, and always start with compassion and kindness. Thank you for extending you kindness to me today and I look forward to many years of being your visiting Auntie at 51¸£ÀûÉç."

Dorothy Byrne, President, commented:

"We are deeply honoured that Meera Syal has joined our community as an Honorary Fellow of the College.

Meera is one of the UK's leading and best loved actors and is also a comedian, writer, playwright, singer, journalist and actor.

Meera has received many awards including the BAFTA Fellowship, the highest accolade in British television. Today, she is massively successful, starring in major feature films and plays. She has written novels, television series, feature films and a musical.

Meera is a powerful proponent of the importance of diversity and equality in the entertainment industry. We are proud that she has joined 51¸£ÀûÉç."

Meera Syal CBE, graduated from Manchester University with a double first in English and Drama. Her many theatre acting credits include Queenie in A Tupperware Of Ashes (National Theatre) Beatrice in the RSC’s Much Ado 51¸£ÀûÉç Nothing, Zehrunissa in David Hares Behind The Beautiful Forevers (National Theatre), The Nurse in Kenneth Branagh’s production of Romeo and Juliet, Miss Hannigan in Annie (Piccadilly Theatre) and Shirley in Shirley Valentine (Chocolate Factory/Trafalgar Studios) Television roles include, The Devils Hour, The Sandman, Mrs Sidhu Investigates, Dr Who, The Split, The Wheel Of Time, and We Are Lady Parts.

Meera’s film roles include Yesterday, Dr Strange and Paddington 2. She was also writer/performer in the multi award winning comedy series Goodness Gracious Me and The Kumars At Number 42. Her screenplays include Bhaji On The Beach, Anita And Me and My Sister Wife. Her first novel Anita And Me won the Betty Trask Award and is on the national schools curriculum.  Her other critically acclaimed novels, Life Isnt All Ha Ha Hee Hee and The House Of Hidden Mothers she adapted for television. Meera is the recipient of several national awards including 2 British Comedy Awards, 2 International EMMYS, a BAFTA nomination for her role as Ummi in The Kumars At Number 42, the What’s On Stage Award for Best Actress for Shirley in Willy Russells Shirley Valentine, 2 AFA awards for her screenplay and performance in My Sister Wife, 2 RIMA awards and the Women In Film And Television Award for Creative Innovation.

Meera holds honorary doctorates from SOAS and Manchester and Birmingham Universities and was visiting Professor of Drama at Oxford University in 2012.  She was awarded the CBE for Services To Drama and Literature in 2015.

In 2023 she received the WFTV Lifetime Achievement Award.