The legacy of Disha Vakani as Dayaben on Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (TMKOC) is iconic—her infectious laughter, quirky garba and classic “Hey Maa Mataji!” are etched into Indian pop culture. But few fans truly know the gritty reality behind her final days on the show which recently resurfaced through candid revelations by co-star Jennifer Mistry.
Shooting Till the 9th Month: Dayaben Unseen Hustle
In a heartfelt interview Jennifer Mistry (who played Roshan Sodhi) revealed just how far Disha went for her role. While expecting her first baby Disha continued shooting for TMKOC right up till her ninth month of pregnancy a feat nothing short of remarkable in the grueling world of daily soaps.
She literally could not walk on her own during the last days. Climbing stairs on set was prohibited for her safety so the crew would carry Disha up on a stretcher-like device whenever a scene required shooting in the upper interior sets. It’s a testament to her dedication, professionalism and sheer love for her craft.
A Peek Behind the Glamour
What’s often hidden behind the lights and laughter is the real-life sacrifice. Disha powered through exhaustion, posed for fans and shared her space with castmates forging friendships and showing up for her fans even when tired. Jennifer recalls “She is a beautiful soul; she is out of this world” and highlighted how Disha would always take time to click pictures with fans no matter how exhausted she felt after a day on set.
