Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah's Nattu Kaka on Dayaben's return: We are tired of waiting for her

A still from Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. Image source: PR

Disha Vakani became a household name with her character Daya ben from Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (TMKOC). The actress left the audience in awe with her brilliant acting chops, gaining a massive fan following. However, the actress took off on her maternity leave in September 2017, and hasn't returned on the show since. While the show is still fetching great TRPs, Disha Vakani's comeback still remains the big question.

Now, in a recent interview, Ghanshyam Nayak, who plays the popular character of Nattu Kaka, talked about how he is missing Vakani on set. Speaking to The Times of India, the actor said, "We are all waiting for years now. It has been a long wait and we are all hoping that she will return. In fact, if she clarifies to the producer, he can also think of a new Dayaben, but that decision is entirely with the production house. She is important to the show and the entire team is tired waiting for her."

In December, it was reported that Nayak was unwell. The senior actor was having severe uneasiness in the glands of his neck and had undergone surgery for the same. Talking about it, he said, "It has been 12 long years with Asit Kumarr Modi's team of Taarak Mehta. I have worked so hard on the character of Natukaka that everyone on the road recognises me as Natukaka and nothing else. It will be impossible to accept any other project and I don't feel the need. I am happy enacting the role of Natukaka because my character got immense love and audiences connected with it. After my surgery, it was only because of God's blessings that I could get back to work and am thankful that audiences could see me again."

"When they will show my character to move back to Mumbai, I will again have to start shooting. Till then I am on a break. I shot in December, now I am waiting for the scriptwriters to bring me back. It has been great working with Asit sir," he added.

The show, which has been running successfully for over 10 years, was recently in the news when Neha Mehta and Gurucharan Singh left the show. Neha played the popular role of Anjali Taarak Mehta while Gurucharan Singh played Roshan Sodhi. A few days back, Neha had taken to her Instagram account to confirm the news to her fans. She penned a farewell note for her co-stars and shared it on her Instagram stories.

The makers have found replacements for Neha Mehta and Gurucharan. Neha has been replaced by Sunayana Fozdar. Sunayana Fozdar is known for TV shows like Left Right Left, Meet Mila De Rabba, Rehna Hai Teri Palkon Ki Chhaon Mein, Laagi Tujhse Lagan, Qubool Hai, and many others. While Gurucharan's role is now played by Balvinder Singh Suri.

Last year, Monika Bhadoriya, who plays the popular character of Bawri had also left the show. The actress reportedly quit due to differences with the makers. Monika was unhappy with her pay scale and demanded a hike. However, things didn't work out, following which she left the show.

Before her, Nidhi Bhanushali, who played the role of Atmaram Bhide's daughter Sonu in the show had quit to concentrate on her studies. She was replaced by Palak Sidhwani.