As Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah celebrates 17 years, lead actor Dilip Joshi and producer Asit Modi reflect on the much-missed character of Dayaben and the challenge of her return.
Celebrating 17 Years of Laughter
The beloved show Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah recently marked a significant milestone, completing 17 successful years on television. To commemorate this special occasion, the cast and crew gathered for a grand celebration event in Mumbai.
During the festivities, discussions naturally turned to the show’s iconic characters, especially the absence of Dayaben, portrayed by Disha Vakani.
Jethalal’s Fond Memories of Dayaben
Dilip Joshi, who plays the popular character Jethalal, openly shared how much he misses his former co-star, Disha Vakani. He recalled their time working together from 2008 to 2017, which included many memorable scenes.
Joshi emphasized that both he and Disha came from a theatre background, which instantly created strong on-screen chemistry from day one. He admitted that, as a co-actor, he truly misses the enjoyable scenes they shared.
A Brother’s Emotional Connection
Mayur Vakani, who plays Sundarlal, Dayaben’s on-screen and real-life brother, also spoke emotionally about his sister’s absence from the show. He expressed gratitude to producer Asit Modi for allowing him to continue performing alongside his sister for so long.
Mayur highlighted how rare it is to share such a long professional journey with a sibling. He cherishes the time spent working with Disha and acknowledged the immense love their on-screen duo received from the audience.
The Ongoing Search for Dayaben
Producer Asit Kumar Modi addressed the persistent challenge of finding a suitable replacement for Dayaben. He acknowledged that Disha Vakani set an incredibly high benchmark for the character, making the casting process exceptionally difficult.
Modi expressed his sincere wish for Disha to return, but due to personal reasons, she has been unable to. He praised the cast, particularly Dilip Joshi and Amit Bhatt (Baapuji), for keeping the show’s spirit alive even without Dayaben’s presence for eight years.
He understands the audience’s strong connection to Disha’s portrayal and the difficulty in replacing such a deeply etched image. Modi remains hopeful about overcoming this casting hurdle with the continued support of the fans.
A Legacy Etched in Hearts
Disha Vakani took maternity leave from Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah in 2017 and has not returned since. Her portrayal of Dayaben became a cultural phenomenon, leaving a lasting impact on viewers.
The character’s unique voice, distinct laugh, and humorous antics made her an integral part of the show’s success and a beloved figure in Indian television history.
- Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah celebrated 17 years of broadcasting.
- Dilip Joshi (Jethalal) fondly misses Disha Vakani (Dayaben), citing their strong on-screen chemistry.
- Mayur Vakani (Sundarlal) also shared his emotional sentiment about missing his sister, Disha.
- Producer Asit Modi acknowledges the significant challenge of finding a replacement for Dayaben due to Disha’s iconic performance.
Fans continue to eagerly await updates on Dayaben’s return, highlighting her enduring popularity and importance to the show’s narrative.
