Disha Vakani is an actor who’s been making Indian television audiences laugh for more than 10 years with her engaging portrayal of Dayaben from the comedy series, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (TMKOC). With her kooky facial expressions, quirky catchphrases, and her overall loveable nature, Dayaben is a character who has become one of the most beloved characters in sitcom history in India. All this changed when Disha took maternity leave in September 2017; no one had expected that the character would not return to the show.
Three years went by with rumors circulating and fan intrigue still holding strong. Well, now we finally have the details on why it took so long for the show to officially reveal that Disha was no longer part of the series.
A Maternity Leave that Became a Mystery
Disha Vakani announced her pregnancy and went on maternity leave in late 2017. At first, it seemed like a temporary situation. The show even featured her return in various episodes, teasing the fans and keeping them emotionally tied to the original cast. Finally, after months turned into years, her return became a mystery.
Discussions were being had behind the scenes, but not as easily as hoped. Disha’s husband, Mayur Padia, reportedly stepped forward to negotiate with the producers, and demanded limited requests- , if I recall correctly, she demanded a total payment increase of 100% at shooting just 15 days out of 30 a month, and no shooting longer than four hours.
Though these were undoubtedly based on personal and family needs, this left producers needing Dayaben full-time and no contractual pathway to continue to use her.
“Bas Ab Ho Gaya”: The Producer’s Last Straw
After years and years of unproductive talks and continued uncertainty, producer Asit Kumarr Modi reached a stage where he apparently needed to make a decision. He reportedly was fed up with the being stalled, and stated “Bas ab ho gaya”, before issuing a 30-day legal notice to Disha asking for a final answer about her return to the show.
The producer’s ultimatum did not achieve the desired outcome, and there was no agreement. The show continued without her character Dayaben being present as cast members repeatedly mentioned the character in the storyline, never fully explaining the absence of Dayaben. The show’s fans waited in limbo every week hoping to see a return that never transpired.
While nothing could be worse than being publicly snubbed by the show, there was one other side issue to Disha’s belated absences: a series of serious allegations made by former TMKOC cast member Monika Bhadoriya, regarding working conditions on the show including late payments, and abusive treatment. Although Disha trail never provided any comment on any of these allegations, questions around the prolonged absence certainly flared with each new rumoured sordid allegation that appeared.
A Last Farewell & A Search for a New Dayaben
After a wait of nearly eight years the show’s producer officially announced that Disha Vakani will not be reprising her role as Dayaben. In April 2025 the show confirmed that a new actress had been found for the role.
For long time viewers, the news is a mixed bag of emotions. The show must go on, and while Disha Vakani’s Dayaben occupies a special place in the hearts of millions, Disha must find a new journey. The way her laugh, attitude and “Hey Maa Mataji!” became a cultural moment in Indian television history may never be repeated.
While the next chapter with a new face of the character will commence, finding a replacement for ANY of Disha’s Dayaben magic will be very difficult.
Stay tuned to Club4Celebs for more updates.
