Disha Vakani’s Legacy in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah: Creator Asit Modi Shares Behind-the-Scenes Insights:

For over 17 years, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah has captivated audiences and remains one of India’s ‘most loved’ sitcoms. Jethalal and Dayaben have been fan favorites for years as the show has worked with multiple actors and their supporting stars over time.

The sitcom has seen a few absences where actors took breaks. The last time we saw Disha Vakani, who plays Dayaben, was in 2018 after she went on maternity leave which left the show quite a few years. However, her mark on the serial is evergreen. Show maker Asit Modi, a while back spoke about Disha’s character and how it was sculpted and why it brought so much value to the viewers.

Asit Writes Free Hand Garba Choreography

In an interview with Screen, Asit Modi mentioned that Disha Vakani's signature step of Garba followed with twirls and footwork wasn’t dictated but rather a product of her imagination. Everything started off in the very first episode where Bapuji suffers from hip stiffness and the team wants to get creative with the set.

"To my knowledge anyway, her style of Garba is born purely out of one’s imagination. So are the other steps she performs while trying to perform what’s written in the script, at least I hope so,” explains Modi.

A character cocreated of innocence with a sprinkle of real world inspiration

Asit shares the moment that made them realize Disha was the perfect fitting for the role when she vividly demonstrated the Dayaben’s catchphrases, “Hey Ma, Mataji!” in her very own unapologetic albeit endearing way and it made sense because she is Indian Gujrati.

“She’s a very fine actor. Disha is a family-oriented individual so we needed someone who was innocent and she fitted right into that,” he said.

The creator also explained that the balcony callout for Jethalal was made from Dayaben's mother's character and her affection for his father.

Will Dayaben come back to the show?

While speaking about Dayaben’s comeback, Asit Modi has said that the character will be back to the series soon. Right now, the team is looking for a suitable replacement but Modi still hopes that the role can be taken back by Disha Vakani.

Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah began its journey in 2008, airing on Sony SAB TV and showcasing eminent performers including Dilip Joshi, Amit Bhatt, Mandar Chandwadkar, and Munmun Dutta.