Dilip Joshi has replied to rumours that his co-star Disha Vakani may reprise her role as Daya Ben in the hit TV drama Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. Disha has been on maternity leave since 2017 when she gave birth to her first kid.
Disha gave birth to her second child, a newborn boy, just a few weeks ago. Her brother Mayur Vakani, who also plays her on-screen sibling Sundarlal in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, confirmed the news and expressed his happiness to the media.
In an interview with Pinkvilla, Dilip said, “Now, only the production house knows whether she would return, and I don’t want to delve into it. I’m also pleased that viewers continue to show Daya the same affection and care as they did when she was filming.”
Since the birth of Disha’s baby, Stuti Padia, in November 2017, talk has been widespread as to whether she will return to the program or leave it entirely. Rumors circulated for a long time that she had wanted a significant increase in her pay and more flexible work hours following her maternity leave, but the producers refused.
Disha’s return to Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah was rumoured just days before she gave birth to her baby, and show producer Asit Modi responded to the rumors. “I’m not sure if Disha Vakani will reprise her role as Daya Ben.” We have a great relationship with Disha Ji and consider ourselves to be family. However, now that she is married and has a child, everyone is preoccupied with their own obligations. I won’t be able to comment on that because we all have our own personal lives. He told Times, “Lekin Joh Bhi Disha Ben or Nisha Ben, but you will definitely get to Daya Ben, and we as a team will try our hardest to provide you the same fun that we gave you before.”
