Why Disha Vakani Won’t Return as Dayaben: What Mayur Vakani Revealed

For over seven years, fans of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah have wondered when—or if—Disha Vakani would step back into her beloved role as Dayaben. Despite occasional rumors and speculations, her character has not made a comeback since she went on maternity leave in 2017. Recently, her brother and co-actor, Mayur Vakani (who plays Sundarlal on the show), spoke out explicitly, offering the clearest explanation yet for her continued absence.

The Current Role Disha Vakani Is Embracing

Mayur Vakani emphasized that Disha isn’t returning to the show because she is currently committed to her most important role: being a mother. After giving birth to her first child in 2017, she has prioritized her real-life family responsibilities. According to Mayur, she performs motherhood “with full dedication,” and that, for now, is where her focus and energy lie.

This decision appears not to be a sudden departure, but one that has evolved over time. Fans had hoped that her break from acting on the show would be temporary, but over the years the hiatus has stretched, with the “motherhood first” rationale being offered recently as the enduring reason for her absence.

What Mayur Vakani Shared

In his recent interviews, Mayur, who is two years older than Disha, described having observed her journey closely. He noted that their father instilled in them the belief that whatever role one plays—on screen or in life—it should be performed with sincerity. For Disha, that role now is being a mother, and she is doing that role with the same intensity and commitment that she once brought to acting.

Mayur also spoke about Disha’s work ethic and the love she continues to receive for her portrayal of Dayaben. He believes that people are drawn to her honesty and hard work, which is why her character remains so beloved even in her absence. According to him, fans’ affection is a reflection both of Disha’s acting skills and the deep bond she had earned with viewers over the years.

The Official Position of the Show and Producer

Producer Asit Kumarr Modi has also commented on the subject. He said that while there have been many questions about when Dayaben might return, no official exit was ever written for the character. In other words, the show never formally replaced or removed the character from the storyline—leaving the door theoretically open.

However, the producer acknowledged the difficulty involved in bringing Dayaben back. Finding someone who could fill Disha Vakani’s shoes (if she ever decided not to return) would be extremely challenging due to how iconic her portrayal was. He suggested that Dayaben remains essential to storylines—especially major ones such as Popatlal’s wedding, which many fans believe would logically require Dayaben’s presence.

What This Means for Fans

For fans of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, Disha Vakani’s absence has been deeply felt. Her character Dayaben was not only funny and endearing but also one of the pillars of the show’s appeal. Her scenes—her catchphrases, garba dances, and her relationships with the rest of the Gokuldham Society—became staples of many households’ evening rituals.

With the announcement that she is unlikely to return (at least for now), the show may continue without one of its most iconic characters. This elicits a mixture of sadness and understanding from the fan community: sadness over her absence, but respect for her decision to prioritize family.

The Personal Side of Disha Vakani

Disha Vakani’s break began when she went on maternity leave, and she has kept a relatively low profile since then. Her decision seems to align with a long-standing wish among many actors to balance public life with private responsibilities. In her case, motherhood became non-negotiable, and she has channelled her energy into that role.

Mayur’s remarks reveal that this was always her plan in some sense—that her off-screen role of being a mother was as important to her as her on-screen work. While many hoped for a return, those expectations are tempered by her personal priorities and life choices.

The Future: Possibilities and Uncertainties

Although Disha does not appear to be returning in the near term, the fact that the character was never officially written out offers a degree of possibility. The show continues to acknowledge Dayaben’s importance. Producer commentary suggests that if circumstances change, they would welcome her back. For major story arcs that logically require Dayaben, her return would be both emotionally meaningful and narratively significant.

Meanwhile, the show continues with its ensemble cast, cherishing the legacy Disha left behind and working with scripts that adapt to her absence. Fans, producers, and co-actors alike have expressed hope—but also respect—for her decision.

Conclusion

In the end, the strongest reason for Disha Vakani not returning as Dayaben is her commitment to motherhood. The role she plays off screen, as a mother, has taken precedence over the demands of acting. While fans long for her return—and while the character’s absence leaves a gap—Mayur Vakani’s recent statements make it clear that, for Disha, this chapter of her life is focused elsewhere. The show, the cast, and the audience may keep hoping, but they also seem to be increasingly accepting that her priorities have shifted, at least for now.