Disha Vakani’s journey as Dayaben: Exit, speculations, and her bond with Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah

Fans and the makers of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah are still hopeful to see Disha Vakani reprise her much-loved role as Dayaben.

Actress Disha Vakani, best known as Daya Ben in the popular television show Taarak Mehta ka Ooltah Chashmah, has become a fan favourite and one of the most loved characters on Indian television-simply because of her charm and comic timing.

In 2017, Disha Vakani went on maternity leave after the birth of her elder daughter. Initially, fans believed it would be a short break and she would return soon. However, as the months turned into years, her absence became one of the most discussed topics in the entertainment industry.

By 2018, when it became clear that she had not resumed shooting, speculations about her permanent exit began circulating. For years, fans kept hoping for her comeback, especially since Dayaben’s character was never officially written off from the show.

During an exclusive interview with Money Control, the creator of the show, Asit Modi shed more light on whether the actress will return to the show or not.

“I'm often asked when Dayaben will return to the show. I've never shown that the character has exited the show. People still remember Dayaben fondly, even after 7-8 years. It's a tough question for me, as replacing Disha Vakani would be difficult. Any new artist would struggle to fill the void she left. It's not easy for women to balance work and family after marriage. I still pray that she returns to the show. We're serious about bringing Dayaben back, and as soon as she returns, Popatlal's wedding will happen. Dayaben's presence is essential for Popatlal's wedding," he further said.

Fans and the makers of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah are still hopeful to see Disha Vakani reprise her much-loved role as Dayaben. Her possible return is believed to be linked to a major storyline in the show — the long-running track about Popatlal (played by Shyam Pathak) and his never-ending search for a bride.

Adding to the buzz, Disha Vakani recently celebrated Raksha Bandhan with Asit Kumar Modi, the show’s producer. Asit shared a long video on social media where Disha is seen tying a Rakhi on his wrist, performing the traditional arti, and completing the rituals.

The video also captured Disha sharing a heartfelt moment with Asit’s family, where she was seen touching the feet of Asit and his wife as a mark of respect. They later sat together, enjoyed sweets, and posed happily for photographs. For fans, it was a truly special sight, as it brought Disha back into the spotlight after years, fueling fresh speculation about her much-awaited return as Dayaben on Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah.

However, those hopes were soon dampened when Disha’s reel and real-life brother, Mayur Vakani, clarified the situation in an interview with ETimes. He revealed that Disha has no plans to return to the show, as her priority right now is her children. She is fully dedicated to spending time with them and embracing motherhood, which remains her main focus at this stage of her life.

Also read: Disha Vakani won't return as Daya Ben in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah; brother Mayur Vakani reveals the real reason

“I have seen her journey closely since I am two years older than her. One thing I’ve realised is that when you perform with honesty and belief, God’s blessings follow. She truly is blessed, but along with that, she has also worked extremely hard. That is why people have showered so much love on her as Daya," added Mayur, who played the role of Disha's brother Sundar, on the show.

It has been seven years since Disha left the beloved character of Daya Ben on Taarak Mehta ka Ooltah Chashmah but she will always be etched in the hearts of the fans for making all of us laugh selflessly all these years.