Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah’s producer Asit Modi: We can't keep waiting for Disha Vakani, we have to take a call soon

Disha Vakani, who is best known for portraying Daya Ben in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, has been missing from the show for quite some time now. The actress was blessed with a baby girl in November 2017 and she has been on a maternity break since then. From the past few months there have been a lot of speculations over her return to the show. Recently there were also reports suggesting that Disha has been given the last 30 days to return to the show and if she does not report back within the said period, she will be replaced. However, as per a report in Times Of India, Disha Vakani is not returning to the show.

A source has informed the portal that there are no reports of Disha being given an ultimatum as her contract has not been renewed. Both the parties are not in a position right now to give notice to each other. But the Production house (Neela Telefilms) has definitely asked her to take a decision at the earliest and in all probability, Disha will not return to the show. The production house has apparently already started looking out for Disha's replacement.

When TOI contacted producer Asit Kumar Modi, he said, "Daya's character is one of the important roles and we can't let her to be away from the show for such a long time. Daya is loved by people and audience want to see her. As far as Disha is concerned, we always supported her and have given her enough time to focus on her family life. We supported her when she wanted to be with her baby. She has been on a break for almost one and a half year now. We can't keep waiting, if she is willing to come she is more than welcome, but we have to take a call soon."

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Reacting to the 30 days’ notice given to Disha Vakani, Asit said, "We have been very cooperative from the beginning. Since her daughter’s birth, we have been waiting patiently, giving her space as new mother. But eventually, a show has to go on. Nobody can wait indefinitely. Character of Daya has to come back in Gokuldham society. If Disha is unable to come back because of her personal issues, then we will be left with no option but to replace her. Regarding the said notice, there has been no ultimatum issued. However, the show must go on with all the principal characters. Its time she took a decision and informed us. As for Mayur Vakani, he is very much in the show."

Talking about Disha Vakani’s replacement on the show, Asit said, "Replacements and leap jumps are common in the television industry, they keep happening. It is nothing new and in the past whenever replacements have taken place, new actors have got accepted by the audience. On TV an actor is known by its character and not by his name. Yes, we have started looking out for options because if in future Disha does not want to return we will have to replace her. But I would also like to add that Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah is a positive show so we will hope for a positive result."