Meera Syal is best known for playing Auntie in The Kumars at No. 42, Sanjeev in Goodness Gracious Me, and Sonia Sharma in The Split.
Films
- The FlashMs. Gupta2023
- YesterdayShelly2019
- Paddington 2Judge2017
- David Brent: Life on the RoadPauline2016
- JadooAnita2013
- The Fatal EnglishmanNarrator2013
- ShuchitaShuchita2012
- A Nice TouchMum2009
- Don’t Worry About MeJoanna2009
- Blame It on the BellboyReceptionist1992
- Dance with a StrangerSecretary1985
TV shows
- The SplitSonia Sharma2018–2022
- InformerAnita2018
- Doctor WhoDr. Cass2017
- BroadchurchSonia Sharma2015
- PsychobitchesVarious2012–2014
- The Kumars at No. 42Auntie2001–2006, 2014
- Goodness Gracious MeVarious1998–2001
- Thief TakersDC Susan Johnson1996–1997
- CasualtyRuth Harding1994–1996
- Doctor WhoAnita1988
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About Meera Syal
Meera Syal is a British actress, writer, and comedian known for her pioneering work in British-Asian comedy and drama. She rose to fame with the BBC sketch show Goodness Gracious Me and the sitcom The Kumars at No. 42, and has since appeared in numerous film and television roles.
FAQs
What is Meera Syal’s most famous role?
She is best known for playing Auntie in The Kumars at No. 42 and as a performer/writer on Goodness Gracious Me.
Is Meera Syal also a writer?
Yes, she co-wrote the screenplay for the film Anita and Me, based on her own novel, and has written for television.
Has she won any major awards?
She has won a BAFTA TV Award for Best Comedy (The Kumars at No. 42) and an MBE for services to drama and literature.
What other TV shows has she appeared in recently?
She played Sonia Sharma in the BBC drama The Split (2018–2022) and appeared in Doctor Who in 2017.
Did she have a role in a Hollywood film?
She played a small role in The Flash (2023) as Ms. Gupta and appeared in Yesterday (2019).
Sources & where to watch: IMDb · Wikipedia · Where to watch (JustWatch UK) · Updated June 2026