Born in England to Indian parents, Meera Syal has had a diverse range of experiences that have shaped her into the successful performer she is today. With a career spanning over 35 years, Meera has become an international star, gracing both the big and small screens. Her acting credits include Doctor Strange, The Kumars at No. 42, and The Split. She’s also working on several projects, including the upcoming TV series The Devil’s Hour. Here are 10 things you probably didn’t know about the multitalented Meera Syal.
1. A Formally Trained Actress with a Passion for Her Craft
Meera has dedicated countless hours to honing her skills, including attending acting school. She studied English and Drama at the University of Manchester. While some may argue that drama school isn’t necessary, Meera’s education has undoubtedly contributed to her success.
2. A Multifaceted Talent: Behind-the-Scenes Experience
While most people recognize Meera for her on-screen performances, many may not realize that she’s also incredibly talented behind the camera. A true storyteller, Meera has earned over a dozen screenwriting credits and has produced several projects.
3. A Family-Oriented Woman Who Values Privacy
Meera prefers to keep her personal life out of the spotlight, but it’s clear that she’s a family-oriented person. She maintains close relationships with her loved ones and cherishes the time they spend together. Her brother, Rajeev Syal, is a journalist for The Guardian.
4. A Nature Lover Who Appreciates the Simple Things
Meera has a deep love and appreciation for the beauty of nature and enjoys spending time outdoors. She finds solace in activities like gardening and going for walks. Fellow nature enthusiasts can likely relate to the calming effect of being outside.
5. A Proud Wife and Mother
In addition to her thriving career, Meera has a beautiful family. She was married to Shekhar Bhatia from 1989 to 2002, with whom she shares a child. In 2005, she married actor Sanjeev Bhaskar, and they also have a child together.
6. A Versatile Performer: Voice Work
Meera’s talents extend beyond acting and screenwriting. She has done a significant amount of voice work throughout her career, with credits including Phineas and Ferb and Tinga Tinga Tales.
7. An Impressive Resume: Nearly 130 Acting Credits
In an industry where job security is rare, it’s remarkable to see actors like Meera who have not only endured but thrived. According to Meera’s IMDB page, she currently has 128 acting credits, including voice roles and unreleased projects. If she maintains her current pace, she could easily reach 200 credits.
8. A Talented Singer with a Passion for Music
Meera’s talents don’t end with acting and screenwriting; she’s also a gifted singer. Although she hasn’t released any original music, she has combined her singing skills with her acting on several occasions. It’s unclear whether she plans to release her own music in the future.
9. A Grateful Star Who Loves Interacting with Her Fans
Meera appreciates the support she’s received throughout her career and enjoys giving back to her fans, especially through social media. She often responds to fan comments on Twitter, much to their delight.
10. A Published Author with an Award-Winning Book
As if Meera’s accomplishments weren’t already impressive enough, she’s also a published author. Her award-winning book, Anita and Me, has been added to the reading list for some secondary schools in the United Kingdom.
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