Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah has been one of India’s most-loved sitcoms for 17 years now. But despite its long-standing popularity, the absence of one beloved character continues to haunt fans, Dayaben. Recently, Jennifer Mistry Bansiwal, who played Roshan Bhabhi in the show, opened up in an exclusive chat with Pinkvilla about the behind-the-scenes efforts to bring Disha Vakani, the original Dayaben, back to the screen.
Jennifer’s Exit and Pregnancy Struggles
Jennifer Mistry Bansiwal had her own share of difficulties during her time on the show. She recalled an incident from 2013 when she was over four months pregnant. Fearing her role might be cut, she approached producer Asit Kumarr Modi with a heartfelt plea. But things didn’t go in her favor. She recalled, “I was begging during my pregnancy that I want to return.”
Jennifer revealed that around the same time, her on-screen husband Gurucharan Singh (who played Sodhi) had also quit due to creative differences. She felt the environment was rigid and unsympathetic. Despite her request to retain her role during a sensitive period, she was removed.
Makers Pleaded for Dayaben’s Return
Jennifer also spoke candidly about the producers’ repeated attempts to convince Disha Vakani to return. After Disha left the show following her pregnancy in 2017, speculation about her return has never really died down.
Jennifer claimed that just as she begged to stay, the producers were seen “begging Disha to return after her delivery, but she didn’t come back.”
She emphasized, “Mai haath pair jod rahi thi meri pregnancy ke time ki muje vaapis aana hai. Inn log Disha ke samne haath pair jod rahe the. Inhone itne time tak uske haath pair jode hai,” post-Disha’s maternity leave. However, their efforts went unanswered, and Disha stayed away from the limelight.
Disha Vakani Worked Till Her Final Trimester
In the interview, Jennifer highlighted Disha’s dedication to the show during her pregnancy. She revealed how Disha continued shooting until she was nine months pregnant, a rare sight in television.
Due to her advanced pregnancy, Disha was advised not to climb stairs. The crew made special arrangements. Jennifer recalled, “There was a stretcher-like thing, and she was made to sit on that, and then she was taken upstairs.”
This level of commitment, Jennifer suggested, reflected Disha’s loyalty to the role, but also hinted at the pressure actresses often face in long-running shows.
A Quiet and Private Person
Jennifer also offered a glimpse into Disha Vakani’s personality. They were vanity van mates for five years, and Jennifer noticed that Disha never discussed personal issues on set. Even if she faced any discomfort or disagreements with the production team, she never made them public.
She described Disha as deeply family-oriented, someone who always dreamt of marriage, children, and a peaceful home life. Jennifer mentioned that Disha made small but kind gestures, like offering her the bed in the vanity when she needed rest.
Disha’s exit wasn’t due to on-set toxicity, Jennifer clarified. She left after her pregnancy and never looked back, choosing family over fame.
The Dayaben Mystery Continues
Fans of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah continue to ask the same question: Will Dayaben ever return? Despite countless rumors, nothing concrete has emerged. Jennifer’s insights confirm what many suspected, the makers tried their best, but Disha Vakani had moved on.
While the show remains a favorite among viewers, the void left by Dayaben is hard to fill. And now, with Jennifer revealing the behind-the-scenes reality, fans have a clearer picture of what went wrong.
