In an exclusive revelation that tugs at heartstrings, Tanuj Mahashabde, the beloved Iyer from India's longest-running television show Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, has opened up about the void left by co-star Disha Vakani's absence and their enduring off-screen bond that mirrors their on-screen camaraderie.
The Sisterly Bond That Transcends Screens
Mahashabde, who has been portraying the character of Krishnan Iyer since the show's inception 17 years ago, shared intimate details about his relationship with Disha Vakani, who became a household name as Dayaben. "My equation with Disha Vakani was great, we are in touch even today. She is like a sister to me," the actor emotionally revealed during his conversation with SCREEN.
The actor recounted a particularly touching moment that demonstrated the depth of their bond. "When my mother passed away, she called me up, invited me home. We used to talk very nicely, and whenever she meets, she is very sweet and respectful. We miss her a lot," Mahashabde shared, highlighting how their connection extended beyond professional boundaries.
Motherly Care for Bachelor Co-stars
What emerges as the most heartwarming aspect of their relationship is Vakani's motherly concern for her bachelor colleagues. Mahashabde painted a vivid picture of how the actress would ensure that he and fellow bachelor co-star Gurucharan Singh never went hungry on set.
"She is such a huge star, but she was so down to earth," he marveled. "Disha used to treat everyone equally; she used to get home-cooked food and was so mindful about the co-stars who lived alone. Gurucharan Singh and I are bachelors, so she used to get food for us."
The actor described their daily routine with nostalgic warmth: "The first thing she would ask us was if we had eaten breakfast. Then she would sit us down and give us food; she was so loving. She always wanted to spread happiness. She is just like her character on-screen."
Behind the Scenes with Dilip Joshi
While audiences have been entertained by the constant rivalry between Iyer and Jethalal (played by Dilip Joshi) for years, Mahashabde revealed that off-screen, they share nothing but mutual respect and camaraderie.
"Dilipji is a very senior actor and I respect him a lot," Mahashabde stated emphatically. "He has helped me in developing my character on the show. Before this, I also did the first shot of my life with him in Yeh Duniya Hai Rangeen. He is a great actor, and the rivalry you see on screen is purely for entertainment purposes, and people love it to date."
The Million-Dollar Question: When Will Dayaben Return?
When confronted with the question that has been on every TMKOC fan's mind - Dayaben's return - Mahashabde responded with both humor and honesty that reflects the cast's own uncertainty.
"This issue about Daya Bhabhi's return should now be raised in the Parliament," he laughed. "I have no idea when she returns, we are all waiting just like you guys. Only Asit Kumar Modi knows when she returns."
The actor's candid admission underscores the mystery surrounding one of Indian television's most anticipated comebacks, confirming that even the cast members remain in the dark about Vakani's potential return to the show that made her famous.
Seventeen Years of Transformation
Reflecting on his journey with the iconic show that has completed over 5000 episodes, Mahashabde acknowledged how Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah has been a transformative experience.
"Life has changed for the better ever since I joined the show," he confessed, while also expressing his desire for audiences to recognize the person behind the character of Krishnan Iyer.
As the show continues to entertain generations of Indians, Mahashabde's revelations offer a rare glimpse into the genuine bonds that have formed between the cast members over seventeen years of working together - bonds strong enough to withstand time and absence, much like the show itself.
