New Dayaben in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah: A New Chapter for the Iconic Character

KKN Gurugram Desk | The iconic character of Dayaben in the popular Indian sitcom Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah has been absent from the show for quite some time now. Disha Vakani, who portrayed this beloved character, took a maternity leave back in 2018 and has not returned since. While fans and the show’s makers have been waiting eagerly for her comeback, the latest update reveals a surprising turn of events—Disha Vakani will not be returning to the show, and a new Dayaben has already been selected.

Disha Vakani’s Departure from Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah

Disha Vakani became a household name with her portrayal of Dayaben in the long-running sitcom. Her unique voice, infectious laughter, and quirky expressions made her character one of the most loved in the history of Indian television. However, in 2018, after her marriage, Disha decided to take maternity leave, which marked the beginning of her long absence from the show.

While fans remained hopeful for her return, months turned into years, and her comeback was delayed time and again. Over the years, there have been numerous speculations and rumors about her return, but unfortunately, Disha has confirmed that she will not be reprising her role as Dayaben in the show.

Earlier this year, Asit Modi, the producer of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, confirmed in an exclusive interview that Disha would not be returning. He mentioned that she had made the decision to focus on her family, especially her two young children, and could not commit to the show at this time.

The Search for a New Dayaben: Asit Modi’s Mission

Since Disha’s departure, Asit Modi and the show’s makers have been on a long and challenging quest to find a suitable replacement for the iconic role of Dayaben. Asit Modi, who is deeply connected to the show and its characters, has been quite vocal about the difficulty of finding someone who could match the charm and persona Disha brought to the character.

In a recent interview with News18 Showsha, Asit Modi shared that they had been actively auditioning actresses to play Dayaben for quite some time. His team had to ensure that the new actress would bring the same energy and personality to the character, which was no easy task given Dayaben’s status as one of Indian television’s most recognizable characters.

The New Dayaben is Found: A Fresh Face for the Iconic Character

Asit Modi has now confirmed that the search for the new Dayaben is finally over. According to a source close to the production team, the makers have found an actress who has impressed them during the audition process. Although the new actress’s identity has not been revealed to the public yet, it has been reported that the team is currently conducting mock shoots with her, and she has been working closely with the rest of the team for the past week.

This news has sparked excitement among fans who are eagerly waiting to see how the new Dayaben will be received by the audience. While there is much anticipation surrounding the new actress, the makers are taking every measure to ensure that the transition will be as smooth as possible, keeping the essence of the character intact.

Why Disha Vakani Won’t Return as Dayaben

In January 2025, Asit Modi had already hinted at the possibility of Disha Vakani’s return being unlikely. In an interview with News18 Showsha, he shared that Disha was busy with her family, especially her two children, and that balancing both family life and a demanding television schedule was proving difficult for her. Asit Modi further explained that, despite the long-standing bond between them—he considers Disha like a sister—it seemed unlikely that she would return to the show.

Asit Modi also emphasized how important it was for the character of Dayaben to have someone who could seamlessly fit into the show and continue to engage the audience. He mentioned, “After working with someone for 17 years, they become an extended part of your family. Disha and I share a special bond, and her family is like my own. But at this stage, with her growing family, it’s just not possible for her to come back to the show.”

However, Asit Modi also expressed optimism, stating, “I’m still hoping for a miracle. If Disha returns, it would be fantastic, but if not, we need to bring in a new Dayaben to carry the legacy of the character forward.”

Asit Modi’s Deep Emotional Connect with Disha Vakani

Asit Modi has always been extremely fond of Disha Vakani, both professionally and personally. In his interview, he described her as “a sister” and shared the close relationship they maintained throughout their time working together. He even mentioned that Disha had tied a rakhi on his wrist, which further signifies their deep bond.

Asit Modi revealed that he had tried his best to convince Disha to return, but he also respected her decision to prioritize her family over her professional commitments. He also acknowledged the challenges that women face when balancing family life with a career, especially when children are involved.

The deep emotional connection between Asit Modi and Disha Vakani reflects not just their professional relationship but also the camaraderie and friendship they share off-screen. It is this bond that makes Disha’s departure from Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah even more poignant.

What’s Next for Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah?

With Dayaben making a return in a fresh avatar, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah is gearing up for a new chapter. Fans of the show, who have followed the characters for over a decade, will be curious to see how the new Dayaben fits into the existing storyline and whether she can live up to the high expectations set by Disha Vakani’s portrayal.

While it will certainly be difficult for the audience to see a different face in the role, it’s important to remember that characters evolve over time, and Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah has always been about creating a family atmosphere and showcasing relatable experiences.

Will the New Dayaben Live Up to Expectations?

The search for the new Dayaben has not been an easy task, given the immense popularity of the character. Disha Vakani’s portrayal became so iconic that any attempt to replace her was bound to stir some mixed emotions. However, fans are hopeful that the new actress will bring her own charm and nuances to the character while maintaining the essence of what made Dayaben so beloved by the audience.

In conclusion, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah is about to embark on a new phase, and the arrival of a new Dayaben is sure to create waves. As we await the big reveal of the new actress, the hope remains that the show will continue to bring smiles to the faces of its dedicated fans and keep the spirit of Gada Society alive for years to come.