PERSONAL INFORMATION
Profession(s): Theatre Artist, Actor
Famous Role: Daya Jethalal Gada in the TV serial Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (2008)
Date of Birth: 17 September 1978 (Sunday) [1] Facebook – Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah
Age (as of 2024): 46 Years
Birthplace: Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Zodiac sign: Virgo
Nationality: Indian
Hometown: Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Religion: Jainism [3] Telly Chakkar
Ethnicity: Gujarati [4] Telly Chakkar
Marriage Date: 24 November 2015
Marriage Place: Sun-n-Sand Hotel in Mumbai
Age: 46 Years
EDUCATION
School: Siddhartha High School, Ahmedabad
College/University: Gujarat College, Gujarat
Educational Qualification: Graduation in Dramatic Arts [2] Mumbai Mirror
PHYSICAL STATISTICS
Height (approx.): in centimeters – 161 cm in meters – 1.61 m in feet & inches – 5’ 3”
Weight (approx.): in kilograms – 55 kg in pounds – 121 lbs
Figure Measurements (approx.): 34-30-34
Eye Colour: Dark Brown
Hair Colour: Black
FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS
Marital Status: Married
Husband/Spouse: Mayur Padia (Mumbai-based chartered accountant)
Children: Son – Name Not Known (born in 2022) Daughter – Stuti Padia (born on 30 November 2017)
Parents: Father – Bhim Vakani (Gujarati theatre artist) Mother – Name Not Known
Siblings: Brother – Mayur Vakani (actor, sculptor) Sister – Khushali Vakani (painter)
Husband: Mayur Padia
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Debut: Film: Kamsin: The Untouched (1997; a B-grade film) as Pinky
Awards: For the Hindi sitcom ‘Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah,’ she has won many awards and has been nominated several times which includes: Indian Television Academy Awards • 2008: Won Best Actress in a Comic Role • 2009: Won Best Actress in a Comic Role • 2012: Nominated for Best Actress in a Comic Role • 2012: Nominated for Best Actress – Popular • 2014: Won Best Actress in a Comic Role • 2014: Won Best Actress in a Comic Role • 2015: Won Best Actress in a Comic Role • 2016: Nominated for Best Actress in a Comic Role • 2017: Nominated for Best Actress in a Comic Role Indian Telly Awards • 2009: Won Best Actress in a Comic Role • 2010: Won Best Actress in a Comic Role • 2012: Nominated for Best Actress in a Comic Role • 2013: Nominated for Best Actress in a Comic Role • 2013: Won Best Actress in a Comic Role • 2014: Won Best Actress in a Comic Role • 2015: Nominated for Best Actress in a Comic Role Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards • 2013: Won Favorite Actress – TV • 2016: Won Favorite Actress – TV • 2017: Won Favorite Actress – TV • 2021: Nominated for Favorite Actress – TV Other Awards • 2011: Nominated for Apsara Film Producers Guild Award for Best Actress – TV • 2011: Won Lions Gold Award for Favourite Actress in a Comic Role in a Television Serial • 2012: Won Sab Ke Anokhe Award for Anokhi Boli
MONEY FACTOR
Salary (approx.): Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.5 lakh per episode for Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah [5] Koimoi
OTHER INFORMATION
Hobbies: Swimming, Reading, Travelling, Watching Theatre Plays
Tattoo: On her right bicep: Om (in Hindi)
Actor(s): Dilip Joshi , Charlie Chaplin, Sanjeev Kumar , Paresh Rawal , Boman Irani
Actress(es): Madhuri Dixit , Rekha
Character from Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah: Jethalal played by Dilip Joshi
Street Food: Vada Pav
INTERESTING BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Disha Vakani, a talented actress hailing from the vibrant state of Gujarat, has captivated audiences with her multifaceted career in the performing arts. Growing up in a culturally rich environment, Disha was immersed in the world of theatre from an early age. Her childhood was marked by an impressive array of performances in various stage productions, where she showcased her budding talent. Notable among these were plays like “Kamal Patel v/s Dhamal Patel,” “Baa Retire Thai Che,” “Lali,” and “Jalsa Karo Jayantilal,” where she shared the stage with esteemed actors such as Dilip Joshi. These early experiences laid a strong foundation for her future endeavors in both film and television.
Disha’s transition to mainstream cinema saw her grace the silver screen in several Hindi films, starting with her debut in “Phool Aur Aag” in 1999. She continued to demonstrate her versatility through roles in critically acclaimed movies such as “Mangal Pandey: The Rising” (2005), “Jodhaa Akbar” (2008), “C Kkompany” (2008), and “Love Story 2050” (2008). Additionally, her foray into Gujarati cinema included appearances in films like “Pandadu Lilu Ne Rang Rato” (1999) and “Paiso Maro Parmeshwar” (2002). Alongside her film career, Disha made her mark in television with brief roles in popular serials such as “Shubh Mangal Savadhan,” “Khichdi,” “Instant Khichdi,” and “Aahat,” showcasing her ability to adapt to different genres and formats.
It was in 2008 that Disha Vakani truly emerged as a household name with her portrayal of Daya Jethalal Gada in the long-running sitcom “Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah,” which aired on SAB TV. Her character quickly became beloved by audiences, creating a lasting impact that made it difficult for the show’s creators to find a suitable replacement when she took a hiatus following the birth of her child. Despite the anticipation of her return, various announcements about her comeback led to disappointment amongst fans. The situation escalated to the point where social media users expressed their frustration through campaigns like #BoycottTMKOC.
Beyond acting, Disha has explored various facets of her creativity, including modeling for a range of brands and participating in commercials for notable products such as Canon and Patco. Her artistic endeavors also extended to film with her role as a broadcast hostess in the English short film “Hale & Garlic” in 2019. Known for her spiritual beliefs, she maintains a routine of yoga to stay fit and has expressed a sincere devotion to her faith. Furthermore, in 2020, Disha ventured into the digital realm by launching her YouTube channel, which has garnered a substantial following. Additionally, she briefly participated in political campaigning for the BJP, demonstrating her versatility not only as an entertainer but also as an engaged citizen.
As of January 2025, Disha’s future with “Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah” took a definitive turn when creator Asit Kumarr Modi announced that she would not be returning to reprise her iconic role as Daya Ben, indicating that another actress would take on the character. This announcement marked the end of an era for fans who had long cherished her contributions to the beloved series. Disha Vakani’s journey through the performing arts reflects a remarkable blend of talent, resilience, and an enduring connection to her roots, ensuring her place in the hearts of many.
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Note: All biographical information compiled from publicly available sources.