Celebrating a Milestone: 17 Glorious Years Of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah
As Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah marks its 17th anniversary, producer Asit Kumarr Modi opens up about the lasting impact of Disha Vakani’s portrayal of Dayaben and the ongoing struggle to find someone who can match her performance.
Disha Vakani, best known for her unforgettable role as Dayaben on Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, has been absent from the show for almost eight years. While fans continue to miss her infectious laughter and lovable quirks, her absence was felt even more deeply on July 28, as the show completed 17 successful years on television.
To mark the occasion, the cast and crew came together to celebrate the milestone with their families and the media. But the one name that kept coming up was Daya and the one question that refuses to die is: Will she return?
Asit Kumarr Modi on the Legacy of Dayaben
Speaking at the event, producer Asit Kumarr Modi addressed the long-standing speculation. He said, “The level at which Daya performed on the show makes it incredibly difficult to find someone like her. In fact, I’d say it’s not just difficult it feels impossible. Only if God wills, someone suitable will come along, and I’ll bring Dayaben back.”
He explained that while he deeply wishes for Disha to return, her personal commitments make it tough. He said, “She can’t return right now because she’s busy with her personal life. Of course, we want her back. But in her absence, my team especially Jethalal (played by Dilip Joshi) has continued to support me.”
Disha Vakani’s Absence Felt Strongly by Fans
Calling the casting of Dayaben “a big challenge,” he added, “I’ve told the audience many times that we’re trying to bring Daya back, but something or the other keeps coming in the way. It’s also difficult to cast someone new because viewers have Disha’s performance etched in their memory.”
Modi also praised the collective resilience of his team, highlighting how the cast and crew stood by each other during challenging times. He said, “This show has survived because of teamwork. Every time a challenge came up, someone stepped forward to help. Even during COVID when our director’s family got affected we pulled together and kept going. It’s impossible to credit just one person. It’s the entire team that deserves applause.”
As the show continues its record-breaking run, the legacy of Dayaben still lingers proof of a performance that has become more than just a role. And until that perfect replacement is found, the search continues.
