Disha Vakani, aka Dayaben from Tarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, took a break from the show in September 2017. She has been on maternity leave and wasn’t sure whether she would return to the show.
However, earlier this month, it was reported that, after two years, Disha will be making a comeback on the show during Navratri.
It sure was music to our ears when the makers announced her comeback, because no one can nail Daya’s iconic laughter better than Disha Vakani! Neela Telefilms, the production house backing TMKOC, teased us with promos building up to Disha’s return. However, now reports claim that Disha still might not make a full-fledged return to the show. Disha’s husband Mayur Pandya spoke to a website and said that they are still negotiating her return with the makers. “She has shot for a portion of the episode, but our talks with the makers still remain unresolved. So, she will not return to the show for good. We are hoping that we reach an amicable solution.”
Though Disha initially planned on rejoining the show after she gave birth to her daughter in November 2017, it was reported a few months ago that the makers of the show had started looking for a replacement.
Asit Kumarr Modi, the producer of the show, had confirmed that they were beginning to audition other actresses for Daya’s part. Asit revealed, “There are women who take maternity breaks and then resume work. We have given Disha leave and now we cannot wait more so will have to start looking for a new Dayaben. We will have to replace her, for the audience who have waiting for Daya’s return. And as it’s said, the show must go on (sic).”
If rumours are to be believed, Disha had requested a fee hike as well as a change in her working hours. She reportedly asked for Rs 1.5 lakh per episode, compared to her previous fee of Rs 1.25 lakh per episode.
Looks like her demands haven’t been met yet.
Meanwhile, one of the recent promos shows Jethalal talking to his brother-in-law, Sundar. Take a look at the video:
Regardless of how the negotiations between the makers and Disha end, we certainly don’t think we’ll be able to accept someone else as Daya.
Featured Image: Instagram
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