Disha Vakani is an Indian television actress known for her role as Daya Jethalal Gada (Dayaben) in the Hindi sitcom Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. Dayaben was also one of the most popular characters in the show, with her energetic comic timing, unique dialogue delivery, and memorable voice.

Disha has mostly been away from television in recent times, and Dayaben is still discussed. She started her journey in Gujarati theatre and films before gaining wider popularity with TV.

Disha Vakani Biography

Disha Vakani Age

Disha Vakani was born in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on August 17, 1978. She will be 48 years of age in September 2026.

She began her journey in showbiz at an early age and later became a face of Hindi television with her soap Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah.

Disha Vakani Early Life & Education

Disha belongs to a family associated with performing arts and was born in Ahmedabad. Her father, Bhim Vakani, worked in Gujarati theatre, and her brother, Mayur Vakani, is an actor too and is known to television audiences as Sundarlal in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah.

Disha has a degree in dramatic arts from Gujarat College, Ahmedabad. Theatre also gave her comic timing and performance skills that would later be at the heart of her television work.

Disha Vakani Career

Disha Vakani’s first performance was in Gujarati theatre, and later she acted in films and television shows. Her early plays included Kamal Patel v/s Dhamal Patel, Baa Retire Thai Che and Lali Lila in Gujarati.

She also played ‘supporting roles’ in Hindi films like Devdas, Mangal Pandey: The Rising and Jodhaa Akbar. She did TV shows like Khichdi, Instant Khichdi, Aahat, and CID.

In 2008, she got her biggest professional break with Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah as Daya Jethalal Gada.

Disha Vakani as Dayaben

Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah: Disha Vakani shot to fame with her character of Dayaben, aka Daya Jethalal Gada.

Dayaben was known for her vivacious nature, Gujarati mannerisms, fondness for garba, and her accent. Disha’s debut became an instant hallmark of the series.

The character has been in the main cast since the show began in 2008, though she officially went on maternity leave from her role by 2017. She then did not return to the main cast.

Why Did Disha Vakani Leave Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah?

Disha Vakani took maternity leave in 2017 after giving birth to her daughter. Despite rumors about a comeback, she did not return to her full-time role on the show.

Over the next several years, reports emerged about talks over her return (such as how many hours to work and how much money she would earn in salary). But these were media reports, not actual quotes of her personal reasons

Disha has not been back as a part of the regular cast of the show since 2026.

Disha Vakani Husband

Disha Vakani was married to a Mumbai-based chartered accountant named Mayur Padia on 24 November 2015.

The pair has mostly kept their personal life out of the public eye. After her exit from television, Disha’s decision to make time for family has been a talk of the town in the media coverage.

Disha Vakani Children

Disha Vakani has two children with Mayur Padia.

The couple welcomed their daughter in 2017, and a son in May 2022. Disha has largely kept her family out of the limelight after giving birth to her babies.

Disha Vakani Movies and TV Shows

Disha’s entertainment career includes Gujarati theatre, Hindi films, and television.

Selected Movies

Selected Television Shows

Her most prominent television role remains Dayaben in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah.

Disha Vakani Awards and Recognition

Disha Vakani received recognition for her comic performance on television. Her reported accolades include wins at the Indian Television Academy Awards for her work in a comic role.

Disha Vakani Net Worth

As per various entertainment media reports, Disha Vakani’s net worth is estimated to be around ₹37 crore. But this number has still not been officially confirmed by the actress. Her net worth is linked to her successful career in television, including a long-standing role as Dayaben on Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah and income from films, theatre, endorsements, and other entertainment projects. Her actual net worth and salary at present have not been publicly revealed.

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Disha Vakani Salary and Fees

Almost every now and then, we used to read in the media about Disha Vakani’s episode charges when she was associated with Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. As per some reports, she was getting approximately ₹1.5 lakh per episode near the end of her stint.

These figures were reported by entertainment publications and should not be considered an officially verified salary record.

Disha Vakani Physical Appearance

Interesting Facts About Disha Vakani

• Disha Vakani was born in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
• She studied dramatic arts at Gujarat College.
• She started her career in Gujarati theatre.
• Her brother Mayur Vakani is also an actor.
• She became famous as Dayaben on Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah.
• She appeared in films including Devdas and Jodhaa Akbar.
• She married chartered accountant Mayur Padia in 2015.
• She has two children.
• She left regular television work after taking maternity leave in 2017.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Disha Vakani made a name in Gujarati theatre, films, and television before grabbing national recognition as Dayaben in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. The character became instantly identifiable to Indian TV audiences thanks to her special comic timing.

While she has kept out of the regular TV limelight for a number of years, her work does still remain interesting. Several frequent entertainment stories are about her career, family life, and possible acting return.

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