Exclusive | New Dayaben Finalised for Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah: Mock Shoots Begin
After years of anticipation, the makers of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah have reportedly selected a new actor to step into the iconic role of Dayaben, previously played by Disha Vakani. An exclusive source revealed that producer Asit Modi has been impressed by a recent audition, and mock shoots with the undisclosed actress are currently underway, signaling the end of a long search for the beloved character.
Disha Vakani, who brought Dayaben to life, exited the show in 2018 for maternity leave and has not returned since. The absence of the quirky, lovable character left fans yearning for her comeback. However, earlier this year, Asit Modi hinted that her return seemed unlikely due to her family commitments, prompting the team to scout for a replacement. Now, after extensive auditions, the hunt appears to be nearing its conclusion with a new face set to take on the role.
An insider close to the production shared the latest development, stating, “Yes, it is right. Asit ji had been looking for a new Dayaben, and recently, one of the auditions impressed him a lot. Mock shoots with the actress are underway. It’s been around a week that she has been here, shooting with us.” The identity of the actress remains under wraps, adding an element of intrigue for fans of the long-running sitcom.
In January 2025, Asit Modi in an interview said about Disha Vakani’s potential return. “I am still trying. I believe Disha Vakani can’t be back. She has two children,” he said, highlighting her familial responsibilities. He added, “For women, life changes after marriage. Working with small children and managing the house is really a bit difficult for them.” Despite his optimism for a “miracle,” Modi acknowledged the need to move forward, stating, “If for some reason she does not come, then I will have to bring another Dayaben for the show.”
Running successfully for 16 years, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah has maintained its popularity on the TRP charts, adapting to changing times. While Dayaben’s absence was felt, the show shifted focus to explore the lives of Gokuldham Society’s diverse residents, keeping viewers engaged with fresh storylines. The introduction of a new Dayaben is expected to bring a significant twist to the narrative, blending nostalgia with novelty.
Attempts to contact Asit Modi’s team for an official confirmation were unsuccessful, as the producer remained unavailable for comment. The secrecy surrounding the new actress’s identity has only heightened curiosity among the show’s loyal audience. The mock shoots indicate that an official announcement could be imminent, pending the team’s satisfaction with the trial runs.
With mock shoots underway, fans are eagerly awaiting the unveiling of the new Dayaben. Her integration into the show could reshape existing storylines, offering a fresh dynamic to the Gokuldham Society saga. Whether she can match Disha Vakani’s iconic portrayal remains to be seen, but the development marks a pivotal moment for the sitcom. Further updates on the casting and the actress’s debut are expected soon as production progresses.
