KKN Gurugram Desk | Fans of India’s longest-running sitcom, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (TMKOC), were left both excited and confused when a viral teaser claimed the return of Dayaben, but with a new actress in place of Disha Vakani. The clip showed a woman who closely resembled Dayaben, triggering widespread speculation about her comeback. However, it turns out — the video was fake.

Viral Video: A New Dayaben Appears

Over the weekend, a short promo-style video began circulating on social media. In the clip, a woman wearing traditional Gujarati attire was seen speaking on the phone in a car, while the iconic “Hey Maa, Mataji” background music played in the background — a clear nod to the character of Dayaben.

The teaser ended with TMKOC’s producer Asit Kumarr Modi supposedly saying:

“We promised you Dayaben would return soon… Daya is back.”

The video quickly went viral, trending across platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, sparking excitement among fans who have been waiting for Dayaben’s return since 2017.

The Truth: The Teaser Was Fake

Unfortunately for hopeful viewers, the teaser was not released by the show’s official production house, Neela Film Productions. Multiple verified TMKOC fan pages and entertainment reporters confirmed that the video was fan-made and not part of any upcoming episode or casting reveal.

As of now, no new actress has been officially announced to take on the role of Dayaben.

Who Is Dayaben and Why Is Her Character Iconic?

Dayaben, portrayed by Disha Vakani, is one of the most beloved characters on Indian television. Known for her exaggerated Gujarati accent, innocent humor, traditional values, and trademark catchphrases like “Tapu ke papa” and “Hey Maa Mataji”, she has been a central figure in the success of TMKOC.

She played the wife of Jethalal Gada and mother to Tapu, and her chemistry with the cast — especially Dilip Joshi (Jethalal) — became iconic.

Disha Vakani’s Exit: Maternity Leave That Became Permanent

Disha Vakani took a maternity break in 2017 and hasn’t returned to the show since. Initially, the absence was believed to be temporary, but over the years, the return kept getting postponed.

Despite frequent public statements by producer Asit Kumarr Modi indicating hope for her comeback, nothing materialized.

What Producer Asit Kumarr Modi Has Said

In multiple interviews, including one in 2024, Asit Kumarr Modi confirmed that the production team has been actively looking for a replacement for Disha Vakani.

“We respect Disha ji and the legacy she has created as Dayaben. But the audience is waiting, and we cannot delay her return forever. If not Disha ji, then someone else will have to bring Dayaben back to life.”

This statement had sparked speculation that a new Dayaben was inevitable — yet, more than a year later, the role remains unfilled.

Fan Reaction: Hope, Hype, and Heartbreak

When the viral video surfaced, the TMKOC fan community erupted in excitement. Hashtags like #DayabenReturns and #TMKOCNewDaya started trending. Fans flooded the show’s official accounts with questions:

• “Is Dayaben really back?”

• “Who is the new actress?”

• “Why fake such an emotional comeback?”

However, once the truth about the video being fan-made was revealed, many fans expressed disappointment and frustration. Some even accused the showrunners of not taking audience expectations seriously.

Casting Challenge: Can Anyone Replace Disha Vakani?

One of the biggest hurdles in bringing back Dayaben is the challenge of finding a worthy replacement. Disha Vakani’s performance was so unique that any new actress is bound to be heavily compared and possibly rejected by loyal viewers.

Many believe that waiting for Disha’s return is better than risking the show’s reputation with a miscast.

Others argue that the show needs to move forward and introduce a new face, especially since Dayaben’s absence has become a noticeable void in the storyline.

Why Dayaben’s Character Matters to TMKOC

Even after hundreds of episodes without her, Dayaben remains one of the most Googled and discussed TMKOC characters. Her absence has arguably impacted the show’s TRPs and audience engagement.

From festive episodes to dramatic moments, Dayaben brought:

• Comic relief

• Emotional balance

• Cultural resonance (Gujarati family values)

• Unmatched on-screen chemistry with Jethalal

What We Know About TMKOC’s Current Plans

As per recent updates:

• No new actress has been finalized for the role.

• The production house is considering introducing Dayaben gradually with teaser appearances to test audience reaction.

• Casting calls for the role reportedly took place in late 2024, but the results are unknown.

What’s Next? Will Dayaben Return in 2025?

While nothing official has been confirmed, it’s evident that the audience is hungry for Dayaben’s return. Whether it’s Disha Vakani or a new actress, TMKOC will need to act soon if it wants to keep its legacy alive.

In the age of social media, fake teasers and fan-made promos can mislead audiences — but they also prove how invested people still are in the show’s beloved characters.

The viral teaser may have been fake, but it served as a reminder of how much viewers still care about Dayaben’s character. Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah continues to run strong, but the emotional heartbeat of the show feels incomplete without Dayaben.

Fans can only hope that 2025 brings clarity — and finally, the return of “Tapu ke Papa” ki Dayaben.