Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (TMKOC) is one of Indian television’s longest-running and most loved sitcoms. Over the years, it has introduced a variety of characters who have become household names. Among these, Dayaben, played by Disha Vakani, has a special place in fans’ hearts. Her iconic “Hey Maa Mataji!” dialogues and hilarious banter with Jethalal (Dilip Joshi) made her one of the most beloved female characters on Indian TV.
However, Disha Vakani has been missing from the show since 2017, and viewers have been consistently demanding her return. In a recent interview, Asit Kumarr Modi, the show’s producer, opened up about the situation and why her return hasn’t happened yet — despite years of speculation.
The Long Wait: Why Has Dayaben Been Missing for So Long?
Disha Vakani took a maternity break in 2017 after giving birth to her daughter. Although it was initially assumed she would return after a few months, that didn’t happen. Over the years, many rumors emerged — from contract disputes to personal decisions — but nothing was ever confirmed officially.
As the years passed, the makers tried to fill the gap by focusing on other characters or occasionally referencing Dayaben in the storyline. Still, no one could truly replace her presence, and fans felt the void in every episode.
Asit Modi’s Big Revelation: “Jethalal is with me”
In a recent media interaction, Asit Modi addressed the elephant in the room. He said:
“We have always wanted Disha Vakani to return. She was and will always be an integral part of TMKOC. But there are some things beyond our control. She is not ready to return full-time.”
He further added that the team tried negotiating with Disha multiple times. While she has shown interest at times, personal priorities and family responsibilities have kept her from fully committing to the show again.
Interestingly, Asit Modi mentioned Dilip Joshi (Jethalal) in the conversation, saying, “Jethalal is standing with me on this decision.” This indicates that even Dilip Joshi understands the complexities involved and is supportive of the producer’s decision to wait or move on if required.
Will TMKOC Bring a New Dayaben?
For years, fans have been wondering if TMKOC will ever replace Disha Vakani with another actress. Though some auditions were reportedly held, no one was finalized. The role is so iconic and Disha Vakani’s portrayal is so distinct that replacing her has proven to be an extremely difficult task.
Asit Modi has acknowledged this as well:
“Dayaben is a character that’s loved by all. Bringing in a new face is not an easy decision. We’re still trying to make it work in a way that satisfies the audience.”
There have been episodes where Jethalal is shown missing his wife or talking to her over the phone — these moments are used to remind the audience of Dayaben’s character without physically showing her.
What the Cast Thinks
While the production team remains tight-lipped most of the time, some cast members have occasionally spoken about the situation. Many of them feel that Disha Vakani deserves the space she needs, and they are hopeful that she will return when she is ready.
However, the pressure from fans is evident. Every few months, hashtags like #BringBackDayaben or #WeWantDaya trend on social media, proving how important she still is to the show’s popularity.
TMKOC Without Daya: A Success or a Struggle?
Despite her absence, TMKOC has continued to perform decently in terms of viewership, especially among family audiences. However, long-time fans often comment that the “soul” of the show is missing. The chemistry between Dayaben and Jethalal was one of the key highlights, and the show feels incomplete without it.
The makers have tried various subplots, new characters, and even major changes in storyline to keep the momentum going, but Dayaben’s return remains the most requested update from fans.
What’s Next for TMKOC and Daya’s Role?
Here are a few possibilities for the near future:
- A Surprise Comeback: Disha Vakani may return for a few episodes or special appearances, keeping the character alive without a full-time role.
- A New Face as Dayaben: The show might reintroduce the character with a new actress after preparing the audience.
- Permanent Exit: If neither of the above works out, the writers may eventually give Dayaben a permanent send-off from the story.
No matter what happens, fans will always cherish the memories Disha Vakani created on TMKOC.
Conclusion: A Legacy That Lives On
Whether Disha Vakani returns or not, her portrayal of Dayaben has already become legendary. Her mannerisms, comic timing, and unique expressions have left an indelible mark on Indian television.
For now, Asit Modi and the team continue to juggle between audience expectations and practical challenges. With Jethalal standing by the producer’s decisions, it seems the TMKOC family is doing its best to keep the magic alive.
As fans, all we can do is wait, hope, and enjoy the show — with or without the “Hey Maa Mataji” moments that once brought us so much joy.