More than seven years have gone by without a single?"Hey Maa Mataji!"?from Disha Vakani, who played Dayaben in?Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (TMKOC), one of Indian television¡¯s longest-running and most successful sitcoms. The show, which has entertained audiences since 2008, was once a TRP giant, ruling the prime-time slot for years. Disha¡¯s character, Dayaben, played a crucial role in the show¡¯s success, bringing a mix of innocence, comedy, and traditional Gujarati culture to the screen. Her unique voice, exaggerated expressions, and unbreakable bond with her husband, Jethalal?made her a fan favorite.
From her energetic garba performances to her unconditional love for her mother and brother Sundar, Dayaben¡¯s presence was irreplaceable. Her chemistry with Dilip Joshi (Jethalal) was one of the biggest highlights of the show. However, in 2017, Disha took maternity leave, and despite repeated rumors of her return, she has not yet made a comeback.?
Fans continue to miss her presence, but now, she has finally spoken about her time away from television.
Disha Vakani recently appeared on a devotional channel, where she opened up about her pregnancy experience and the influence of?Garbha Sanskar, a practice in Hindu culture that focuses on the well-being of the mother and baby through spiritual teachings and positive reinforcement.
Sharing her personal experience, Disha said, ¡°During my first pregnancy, I was told that during delivery you will face severe pain and I was really scared about it. I was doing a parenting course back then, and someone advised me that during pregnancy, I should scream or yell because that will scare the baby. That is when I started reciting the Gayatri Mantra, and I had delivered my little Stuti with a smiling face. All I did was keep reciting the mantra while I was taken to the labor room. This divine mantra has given me a lot of strength¡±
For years, fans have been eagerly waiting for Disha Vakani¡¯s return to?Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, but producer Asit Modi has repeatedly hinted that it may not happen.
Speaking about the situation, he said, "It is very important to have 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."
He further spoke about his deep connection with Disha, saying, "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 rakhi to me. Her father and brother are also family to me. You work together for 17 years, and it becomes your extended family."
However, he also acknowledged that her return seems difficult. "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."
While the show continues to run successfully, Dayaben¡¯s absence has left a major gap. Various actresses have been rumored to replace her, but no official casting decision has been made.