From rumours of returning in the festive days to Asit Modi promising fans; Times when Taarak's Disha Vakani aka Dayaben's return was speculated but didn't happen

Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah's Disha Vakani aka Dayaben has been one of the most popular artists of the show. The actress had taken a sabbatical from the show in 2017 during her pregnancy, however, after making an exit from the show she hasn't returned to the screens. The current track of Taarak Mehta, has yet again lightened the hope of Disha aka Daya's return as Jethalal aka Dilip Joshi books his tickets for Ahmedabad to bring Daya back in Diwali.

During the early months of 2019, Disha Vakani had also shot for a phone call sequence with Jethalal but due to professional and personal reasons, Disha had held back her return. It was also speculated that Disha had a list of terms for her return, however, there were no confirmations made from the makers of the show.

During the speculations of the promo, Asit Modi had confirmed that Disha will soon return to the show. He then shared, "We are planning to make Dayaben return during the Navratri week."

Post lockdown in 2021, Disha Vakani was speculated to return during the Navratri week. However, after bringing the anticipation to its peak the makers changed the track of the show.

When Asit Modi introduced Sachin Shroff as new Taarak Mehta, he had shared with the media about the two major challenges that he has been facing to fulfil the viewers' wishes. He said, “Daya bhabhi ko laana padega aur Popatlal (Shyam Pathak) ki shaadi ka sochna padega (We have to bring back Dayaben and think about Poptalal’s marriage on the show). These are the two big challenges for me at this point.”

In 2022, Asit Modi shared that Disha Vakani may not return to the show, He shared, "We decided to wait for her as she has a long association with the show and shares a good relationship with the entire team. We were always positive about her return. Even now, she has not put in her papers as it's not required in her case. She is like family. She has had a second baby recently and now won't be able to return to the show. The auditions are on in full swing to find a new Dayaben and we will finalize the actor soon. The audience will get to know more about the new character on the show. We will keep the viewers updated."

During the 15 years of Taarak Mehta's celebration, Asit Kumarr Modi promised fans that Disha Vakani aka Dayaben would be back. He said, "In this journey of 15 years, a hearty congratulations to all of them. One such artist is whom we cannot forget. That artist is Daya Bhabhi aka Disha Vakani. She has entertained the fans and also made us laugh for all these years. Fans have been waiting for her to come back and I promise you all that Disha Vakani will soon be back to Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah."

Asit Modi had exclusively shared with BT about his plans to bring Dayaben back, he said, “We are hoping to bring back Dayaben in a month or two. In fact, I am trying my best to reintroduce the character as soon as possible. The audience of the show has been patiently waiting to see their favourite Dayaben back on the show. The casting for the character isn’t easy and it will be a challenge for any actress to step into Disha’s shoes. We will need a brilliant performer for the part.”

He added, “I always have a positive approach towards life and as they say, anything is possible. So, while I hope Disha returns to the show, I have started auditioning actresses for the part. Disha is enjoying her family life and I respect her immensely for her contribution to the show.”

With the current track, Sunderlal had come to Jethalal's place and promised him that Daya would return to Gokuldham in Diwali. However, with the turn of events, Jethalal booked his tickets to Ahmedabad but on the same night Chalu Pandey arrested him for a crime he is unaware of.