Seventeen years after it first aired, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah continues to be one of Indian television’s most iconic and beloved sitcoms. While the show remains a fan favorite, the absence of the much-loved character Dayaben, played by Disha Vakani, has been a noticeable gap for viewers. In a recent interview with Screen, producer Asit Modi opened up about Disha’s original audition and the creative process behind shaping her character.
Asit Modi fondly recalled Vakani’s first audition, calling her a “fine actor” and revealing that she perfectly embodied the traits of Dayaben right from the start. He shared that the inspiration for Dayaben’s signature balcony shout to Jethalal came from his own mother. “Whenever my father would go to work and forget something, my mother would call out to him from the balcony. We brought that innocence into Dayaben’s character,” he said.
One of the most iconic elements of Dayaben’s character—her energetic garba—was actually a result of improvisation. Modi explained that the idea was introduced in an early episode when Bapuji had a stiff hip and the makers used Daya’s garba as a quirky cure. “The audience loved it,” he recalled. He further praised Disha Vakani’s ability to elevate the script, stating, “Daya Bhabhi’s style of garba was her own improvisation.”
On the much-speculated return of Dayaben to the show, Asit Modi finally addressed fans’ concerns. He confirmed that the makers are in the process of finalizing a new actor for the role but also expressed his heartfelt wish for Disha Vakani to reprise her iconic character. “We’re working on it, and the character will return very soon,” he assured.
As fans await the return of Dayaben, this behind-the-scenes insight adds an emotional layer to a character that has become an integral part of Indian pop culture.