For years, fans of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah have been hoping for Dayaben’s grand return. She was the heart of the show—her laughter, her "Hey Maa Mataji," her garba energy lit up every scene. But despite every possible attempt from the makers—including emotional requests and even better offers than Jethalal’s own salary—Disha Vakani didn’t return. So, what really happened behind the scenes?
Makers Offered Her More Money Than Jethalal—But She Still Refused!
Yes, you read that right. To bring back Daya, the production team went all out financially.
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Disha Vakani was reportedly offered a salary hike bigger than Jethalal’s.
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The goal? To match her iconic value and bring the spark back to the show.
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Despite this tempting offer, she politely declined and didn’t commit to a return.
This wasn't about money—it was about something more personal.
She Shot Till Her Final Months of Pregnancy—But Never Returned After
Disha Vakani was deeply committed to her role, even during pregnancy.
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She continued to shoot until she was almost due—dedication at its peak.
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The team adjusted schedules, sets, and comfort for her needs.
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After her maternity break in 2017, she never resumed the role.
That pause became permanent—even though fans never stopped waiting.
Emotional Pleas from Cast & Crew Didn’t Change Her Mind
The team tried everything—from heartfelt messages to in-person meetings.
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Jennifer Mistry (Roshan Sodhi) revealed how emotionally invested they all were.
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The cast wanted Daya back as much as the audience did.
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Still, Disha stayed firm on her decision—not to return full-time.
It became clear: her priorities had shifted, and acting took a back seat.
Special Appearances Happened—But Full-Time Comeback? Never.
Disha did make a few surprise appearances post-2017.
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She shot for special segments and guest scenes.
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But these were always short, limited to a few minutes on-screen.
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Viewers thought it was a sign of her return—but it never happened.
Did TMKOC makers beg #DishaVakani to return as #Dayaben but she refused?#JenniferMistry aka Mrs Sodhi's EXPLOSIVE confessionhttps://t.co/wkizQu2JQU
— @zoomtv (@ZoomTV) July 28, 2025
Each glimpse only added to the mystery around her final decision.
The Door Is Still Open—But Will Dayaben Ever Truly Return?
Producer Asit Modi has kept hopes alive for nearly a decade.
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He’s said multiple times that the role of Dayaben is irreplaceable.
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They’ve auditioned many, but no one could match Disha’s energy and charm.
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The door is still open—but it’s up to Disha if she ever wants to walk through it