- Disha Vakani was preparing to move to London before her role as Dayaben in TMKOC
- Apara Mehta advised Disha to accept the Dayaben role, predicting the show's long run
- TMKOC became one of the longest-running popular shows on Indian television
Disha Vakani's journey to becoming the much-loved Dayaben on Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah could have taken a completely different turn. Before the role that made her a household name came her way, the actress was reportedly preparing to move to London and had other plans for her future.
However, a piece of advice from Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi actress Apara Mehta changed the course of her career. That one suggestion eventually played a key role in bringing Disha closer to the character that would go on to define her television career.
In an interview with Telly Masala, Apara Mehta revealed that she had advised Disha to take on the role of Dayaben in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. "I had asked Disha, who used to play Dayaben, I asked her to do this show. We were in Mohan studio when she told me that 'I have been shortlisted but I have a drama tour in London'. For the first time, I told an artist not to go for drama. Not to do shows. I told her, this show will last for 6-8 years. That's when I predicted that it would last that long."
How accurate her advice later proved can be gauged from the fact that TMKOC became one of the longest-running and most popular shows on Indian television.
Apara Mehta also heaped praise on Disha Vakani's talent during the interview. "I am a big fan of Disha. Again, I will say that people have seen Disha in Daya's role, she is way more talented actress. She does very good serious roles that tou won't believe that she can do comedy as well. I am a big fan of her. When I saw her play for the first time, I told her, Disha, I am a lifetime fan of yours," she added.
Disha Vakani took a break from Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah during her first pregnancy in 2017. At the time, her absence was reported as a maternity break and she was expected to return. However, the actress never appeared on the show again after that. There was constant speculation about her return but her departure became permanent over the following years.
In 2022, Disha Vakani became a mother for the second time.
