Dilip Joshi misses Disha Vakani chemistry, hopes 'miracle' brings her back to TMKOC
Synopsis
At TMKOC's 18-year celebration, Dilip Joshi broke his silence on Disha Vakani's long absence — saying even producer Asit Kumarr Modi misses the Jethalal-Dayaben scenes and has ideas to revive them, but 'it is not happening in the script.' Seven years on, the Dayaben void remains the show's most unresolved storyline.
Key Takeaways
Dilip Joshi publicly stated he misses the on-screen chemistry with Disha Vakani at a press event on 30 July in Mumbai .
Joshi expressed hope that 'a miracle happens' and Vakani returns to Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah .
Producer Asit Kumarr Modi also misses the Jethalal-Dayaben home scenes and has ideas to revive them, but they are not yet in the script.
Disha Vakani has been absent from the show since 2017 , when she went on maternity leave.
The press conference marked the sitcom's 18-year milestone , highlighting how long the Dayaben character has been missing.
Television actor Dilip Joshi has openly admitted that he misses sharing the screen with Disha Vakani, who played the beloved Dayaben in the long-running sitcom Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (TMKOC), and expressed hope that 'a miracle happens' and she returns to the show. Joshi made the remarks at a press conference held in Mumbai on 30 July to mark the sitcom's 18-year milestone.
What Dilip Joshi Said
Joshi, who plays the iconic character Jethalal on the show, reflected on the on-screen bond he shared with Vakani over a decade of filming together. 'It is obvious that for the last 10 years, Disha and I have been connected through this show. People know that we have done these amazing scenes together. So, we definitely miss that chemistry and those scenes,' he said.
He went further, expressing personal admiration for her craft: 'The level of work that Disha has done as an actor, I definitely miss it.' Closing on a hopeful note, Joshi added, 'I hope a miracle happens and she returns.'
Producer Also Feels the Void
Joshi revealed that the show's producer, Asit Kumarr Modi, has also been feeling the absence of the Jethalal-Dayaben dynamic. 'Recently, Asit ji was telling me that he also misses those scenes shot at home. He keeps thinking about how to bring such scenes back. He has the ideas, but it is not happening in the script,' Joshi shared.
The admission from the producer himself underscores how central the Dayaben character was to the sitcom's comedic identity — and how difficult it has been to fill that void creatively over the past several years.
Why Disha Vakani Left TMKOC
Disha Vakani stepped away from Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah in 2017 after going on maternity leave and has not returned to the show since. Her absence has been one of the most discussed topics in Indian television circles, with fans and co-stars alike repeatedly expressing hope for her comeback. The show, which has been on air since 2008, continues to run without her, but the Dayaben character remains uncast.
18 Years of TMKOC
The press conference was convened to celebrate the sitcom crossing the 18-year mark — a rare feat in Indian television. Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah holds a distinctive place in the country's pop-culture landscape, having built a loyal multi-generational audience since its debut. The milestone makes Joshi's remarks about missing Vakani all the more pointed: even after nearly two decades, her absence continues to be felt.
Whether Vakani will eventually return remains uncertain, but the sentiment from both her former co-star and the show's producer suggests the door remains open.
Point of View
And TMKOC's continued ratings survival without Dayaben is itself a story. But Joshi's comments — and the producer's admission that he still has 'ideas' he cannot execute — reveal a creative stalemate that no amount of 18-year milestone celebrations can paper over. The fact that neither a recast nor a formal exit has been announced suggests the makers are still banking on a return that may never materialise, leaving the show's most iconic dynamic in permanent limbo.
NationPress
30 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Disha Vakani leave Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah?
Disha Vakani went on maternity leave in 2017 and has not returned to the show since. No official statement about a permanent exit or a confirmed return date has been made by the actress or the production.
What did Dilip Joshi say about missing Disha Vakani?
Dilip Joshi said at a Mumbai press conference on 30 July that he misses the chemistry and scenes he shared with Disha Vakani over their decade together on the show, adding 'I hope a miracle happens and she returns.'
Has the TMKOC producer commented on Disha Vakani's return?
According to Dilip Joshi, producer Asit Kumarr Modi has said he misses the home scenes featuring Jethalal and Dayaben and has ideas to bring them back, but those ideas have not yet translated into the script.
How long has Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah been on air?
Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah has been on air since 2008 and celebrated its 18-year milestone in July 2025, making it one of the longest-running sitcoms in Indian television history.
Will Disha Vakani return to TMKOC?
There is no confirmed announcement of Disha Vakani's return. Her co-star Dilip Joshi has expressed hope for a comeback, but as of 30 July, her return remains uncertain.
