Disha Vakani is an Indian actress best known for portraying Daya Jethalal Gada, popularly addressed as Dayaben, in the long-running Hindi-language sitcom Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah on Sony SAB. The role, characterised by its distinctive Gujarati dialect, garba dancing and the catchphrase "Hey Maa Mataji", made her a household name across Indian television audiences.
Key Facts
| Full name | Disha Vakani |
|---|---|
| Profession | Actress |
| Known for | Dayaben in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah |
| Languages | Hindi, Gujarati |
| Mediums | Television, theatre, film |
| Active period | Early 2000s onwards |
| Spouse | Mayur Padia |
Background
Vakani comes from a Gujarati family with roots in the performing arts; her father, Bhim Vakani, was associated with Gujarati theatre, and her brother, Mayur Vakani, is also an actor who has appeared in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah as Sundarlal, Daya's brother. She trained in stage acting through Gujarati theatre in Mumbai before moving to film and television work.
Career
Early work in theatre and film
Before television stardom, Vakani worked extensively in Gujarati theatre. She appeared in supporting roles in Hindi films, including Devdas (2002) directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Jodhaa Akbar (2008) directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, where she played small parts.
Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah
Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, produced by Neela Tele Films under Asit Kumarr Modi and based on the column Duniya Ne Undha Chasma by Gujarati writer Taarak Mehta, premiered on Sony SAB on 28 July 2008. Vakani was cast as Dayaben, the wife of Jethalal Champaklal Gada (played by Dilip Joshi), a character defined by her cheerful temperament, malapropisms in Hindi, and energetic garba performances.
The role brought her widespread popularity and recognition as one of Indian television's most identifiable comic characters. She continued in the series until late 2017, when she went on maternity leave following the birth of her first child. Despite repeated speculation in the media about her return, she did not resume the role on a regular basis, and the character of Dayaben has since remained largely off-screen, often referenced as having travelled to her parental home.
Other appearances
Vakani has appeared as a guest on several Indian television shows in her Dayaben persona, and has participated in promotional events linked to the sitcom.
Personal life
Disha Vakani married Mayur Padia, a chartered accountant, in November 2015. The couple have two children. Her absence from Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah has been linked publicly to her family commitments.
Recognition
For her portrayal of Dayaben, Vakani received the Indian Television Academy Award for Best Actress in a Comic Role on multiple occasions, along with several other television industry awards recognising her comic timing and popularity.
Significance
Vakani's portrayal of Dayaben is widely regarded as a defining performance in Hindi sitcom history. The character contributed significantly to the cultural footprint of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, which is among the longest-running scripted shows on Indian television. Her depiction of a cheerful, traditionally dressed Gujarati housewife brought elements of Gujarati culture, including garba and colloquial speech, into mainstream Hindi-language entertainment.