Dame Meera Syal: 12 Years Caring For My Parents & Surviving Divorce

What happens when both of your parents receive life-changing diagnoses within weeks of each other?

In this episode of Begin Again, Davina McCall sits down with Dame Meera Syal.

Meera shares the gruelling reality of caring for her mother after her cancer diagnosis while her father was living with Alzheimer’s, describing dementia as a “slow, long goodbye” and reflecting on how her family found strength, support and moments of connection through an incredibly difficult 12 years.

She also opens up about growing up British Asian, feeling like a misfit, and nearly giving up on acting when she couldn’t see anyone like herself on screen. 

From ‘Goodness Gracious Me’ and ‘The Kumars at No. 42’ to becoming a writer, actor and comedian, Meera explains why telling your truth can help others feel less alone.

The conversation also explores divorce, co-parenting, the unexpected possibilities of an empty nest, surviving assault, and staying resilient throughout life’s ups and downs.

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(00:00) Intro

(01:17) Getting Her Damehood

(08:16) Meera As A Misfit Child

(10:31) Studying At Manchester University

(12:22) The Importance Of Gratitude

(19:20) Monzo GBL Ad

(20:51) British Heart Foundation Ad

(22:02) The Play That Changed Her Life

(26:32) Her New Book 'Vigilauntie'

(34:04) Making 'Goodness Gracious Me'

(38:22) Monzo 90 Days Ad

(39:35) Garnier Ad

(43:17) Married At 25

(45:57) Staying Friends After Divorce

(50:41) Having Her Second Child In Her 40s

(53:07) Her Marriage To Sanjeev

(58:57) The Reality Of Caring For Two Sick Parents

(01:06:29) Speaking Out About Sexual Assault

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