TV sitcom, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah has ingrained itself in the hearts of fans and even popular culture since it started airing in 2008. While the show is beloved for many reasons, its heartwarming and humorous characters are surely its most iconic elements. Among them was 'Dayaben,' who was played by Disha Vakani since the show's beginning. However, the actress went on maternity leave in 2018 and hasn't returned to Asit Modi's production ever since. The producer often stated that he was doing all he could to get Disha Vakani back in the shoes of 'Dayaben.' But in a recent update, he shared the disappointing news that the actress would not return to the show.
Showrunner, Asit Modi recently sat for a candid chat with News 18 Showsha, during which he discussed the absence of the iconic 'Dayaben' on Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. The producer acknowledged that she was an integral part of the show and that he desperately wanted her back as well. However, he noted that there had been an unfortunate delay on their end due to changing circumstances. Asit can be quoted as saying:
"It is very important to bring back Dayaben because I also miss her. Sometimes circumstances change in such a way that certain things happen and it gets delayed. Sometimes the story gets prolonged. Sometimes some big events come. There were elections in 2024, there was IPL and then the World Cup matches, the rainy season. It gets delayed because of some reasons."
In the same interview, Asit Modi discussed the possibility of Disha Vakani returning to the show and confirmed that she would not be able to do so for the time being. Revealing that Disha was busy mothering her two children, Asit said:
"I am still trying. I believe Disha Vakani can't be back. She has two children. She is like my sister. Even today, we have a very close relationship with her family. My sister Disha Vakani has tied a Rakhi to me. Her father and brother are also a family to me. You worked together for 17 years, and it became your extended family."
Asit elaborated that it was difficult for Disha to return to the show at present as women's priorities and lives change after marriage. Asit alluded to the possibility of having to replace 'Dayaben' with someone else if Disha remained absent for too long, saying:
"It is difficult for her now (to return to the show). For women, life changes after marriage. Working with small children and managing the house is really a bit difficult for them. But I am still positive. I feel somewhere that god will do some miracle and she will return. If she comes, then it will be a good thing. If for some reason she does not come, then I will have to bring another Dayaben for the show."
Asit Modi further added that the iconic character would receive a 'grand' welcome once she returned. He also confirmed that auditions for the much-loved 'Dayaben' were currently underway, so fans might see the character on-screen relatively soon.
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For the unversed, Disha Vakani welcomed her second child, a beautiful baby boy, in May 2022. The news was confirmed by her husband and businessman, Mayur Padia, as well as her brother and co-star, Mayur Vakani. The latter stated that he was happy to become a 'mama' again after Disha delivered her first child, a little baby girl, in 2017. At that time, Mayur had told The Times Of India that Disha would surely return as TMKOC was the only show she had acted in for such a long time. Producer, Asit Modi chimed in, too, saying that the iconic character of 'Daya' would be back whether it was 'Disha ben or Nisha ben.'
What do you think of Asit Modi's revelation that Disha Vakani was not returning to the Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah?
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