One of television’s most-loved characters, Dayaben aka Disha Vakani talks about her life in Gokuldham society and why she isn’t tired of playing Tappu’s mother even after six years.
Tappu has now grown up. How does it feel to play a mother to him still?
I am an artiste and an artiste does not have any boundaries of age or relations. From day one, Dayaben was Tapu’s mother and still is. There is no leap in the show and all the actors are the same since the show started. I still feel like I’m shooting my first day on Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. The show has a freshness that comes from different stories and content.
How is it shooting with the new baby on the show?
Oh my Khushi, she is my darling and is the cutest baby on Earth! She knows very well when and how to express. She is a born artiste. The best part about her is that she never cries and always keeps smiling. Her smile is priceless. Working with her is a great experience.
Who are you closest to amongst the cast?
Well, I am close to all. We all sit together and do script reading and discuss the sequence. You can come and see us on the sets — we are just like a family. But yes, nowadays it’s Khushi.
Do people expect you to behave like Daya in real life too?
When fans meet me, they call me Dayaben or sometimes, Dishaji and wonder if I am like Daya in real life. But the two are very different. Dayaben is character, which is made by the producer, director and writer. But I do feel nice when people recognise me as Dayaben. It means my act is loved by people .
After shooting for so many years, have you ever felt tired of being Daya?
No. Like I said, I still I feel it’s my first day of shooting. My director, writer and all the cast and crew work very hard to maintain a sense of freshness. This is the reason why the audiences love this show. I pray that the show goes on like this for years.
Have you ever felt scared of being a typecast?
No, because Dayaben is multi-talented. She is a very good mother, dancer, fighter and she is funny too. Also, emotional. Whenever required, she takes a modern avatar too. So I am really not worried about being typecast in my role.
