Disha Vakani Padia (born 17 August 1978); known professionally as Disha Vakani, is an Indian actress who predominantly works in Hindi films and television. Vakani is widely known for her portrayal of Daya Jethalal Gada in India's longest-running sitcom, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. She is also known for her role in the films Devdas, Mangal Pandey: The Rising and Jodhaa Akbar.
Early life
Disha Vakani was born 17 August 1978 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Her brother, Mayur Vakani is also an actor.
Career
Disha was introduced to theatre at a very young age by her father Bhim Vakani, a noted Gujarati theatre personality. Her career in acting kick-started as a child theatre-artiste with her father. She then graduated in the Dramatic arts from Gujarat College and went on to work in popular plays such as Kamal Patel v/s Dhamal Patel, Baa Retire Thai Che and Lali Lila. She has played supporting roles in Hindi films like Devdas (2002) and Jodhaa Akbar (2008). She has played the lead role of Daya "Dayaben" Jethalal Gada in SAB TV's sitcom Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah since 2008. Her brother Mayur Vakani also plays her on-screen brother Sundarlal or Sundar. She went on maternity leave in September 2017 and did not return to the show as of 2025.
Personal life
She married a Mumbai-based chartered accountant named Mayur Padia on 24 November 2015. On 27 November 2017, the couple became parents to a baby girl. She gave birth to a baby boy in May 2022.
Filmography
Films
Television
Accolades
References
External links
- Disha Vakani at IMDb
