Disha Vakani’s journey to becoming the much-loved Dayaben on Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah could have taken a very different turn, states NDTV.
Before the role that made her a household name came her way, Vakani was reportedly preparing to move to London and had plans to pursue a drama tour.
However, a piece of advice from veteran television actor Apara Mehta changed the course of her career.
In a recent interview with Telly Masala, Mehta revealed that she had encouraged Vakani to choose Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah over her planned London tour.
“I had asked Disha, who used to play Dayaben, I asked her to do this show. We were in Mohan Studio when she told me that, ‘I have been shortlisted but I have a drama tour in London’,” Mehta recalled.
She said it was unusual for her to advise an actor against doing theatre.
“For the first time, I told an artist not to go for drama. Not to do shows. I told her, this show will last for six-eight years. That’s when I predicted that it would last that long,” Mehta said.
Her prediction proved remarkably accurate. Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah went on to become one of the longest-running and most popular sitcoms on Indian television, while Vakani’s portrayal of Dayaben became one of the show’s most recognisable characters.
Mehta also praised Vakani’s versatility as an actor, saying audiences had only seen a fraction of what she was capable of through her comic performance as Dayaben.
“I am a big fan of Disha. Again, I will say that people have seen Disha in Daya’s role, she is way more talented actress,” Mehta said.
She added that Vakani was equally convincing in serious roles.
“She does very good serious roles that you won’t believe that she can do comedy as well. I am a big fan of her. When I saw her play for the first time, I told her, Disha, I am a lifetime fan of yours,” she recalled.
Vakani took a break from Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah in 2017 during her first pregnancy.
Although her absence was initially described as a maternity break and there was speculation that she would return, she never resumed her role on the show.
Over the years, fans have repeatedly hoped for Dayaben’s return, but Vakani’s departure eventually became permanent.
The actress welcomed her second child in 2022 and has largely stayed away from television since leaving the popular sitcom.
