The 64-year-old joins fellow thespians Judi Dench, Emma Thompson, and Helen Mirren in achieving the award for services to drama.
And the co-creator and star of comedies Goodness Gracious Me and The Kumars at No 42 , has also been recognised for her services to literature and charity.
Born in Wolverhampton in 1961 to Indian Punjabi parents, Dame Meera studied English and drama at Manchester University.
While there she co-wrote a play One of Us , about an Asian girl who runs away to be an actress, which won a prize and went to the Edinburgh International Festival.
It kickstarted a career that has taken in stage roles at the Royal Court and West End as Shirley Valentine; screen performances such as Doctor Who and Paddington 2, penning three novels, and co-writing the film Bhaji on the Beach and the musical Bombay Dreams.
She married her Goodness Gracious Me co-star Sanjeev Bhaskar and now lives in Highgate with the Unforgotten actor and their son Shaan.
Dame Meera also has a daughter, Milli Bhatia, from her first marriage, who is a celebrated theatre director.
Her charity work includes acting as ambassador for the Alzheimer’s Society, whose chief executive officer Michelle Dyson said: “We are delighted to congratulate Meera Syal on her Damehood for services to literature, drama and charity.
“Meera has been a passionate and unwavering champion for Alzheimer’s Society since becoming an Ambassador in 2013, following the support she received when her father was diagnosed with dementia.
“Over the years her determination to stand alongside everyone affected by dementia has only grown stronger.”
Posting on Instagram on New Year’s Day, Dame Meera shared a photo of her performing a song with Bhaskar alongside selfies with Keanu Reeves, Cynthia Erivo and as Star Baker on Celebrity Bake Off Stand Up for Cancer.
She wrote: “Farewell 2025-what a year you’ve been. Grateful for every experience and above all, the love of amazing family, friends and colleagues. Whatever happens – keep dancing! Wishing you all health happiness light and love for 2026.”
Her post was greeted by enthusiastic responses including: “Congratulations on the Damehood, Well deserved.”
Director Dominic Cooke, who takes over running The Almeida Theatre in Islington this year, wrote: “Congratulations on the gong Meera!”
And a third wrote: “Congratulations Dame Meera, so delighted for you!”.
