If someone says Disha Vakani, the first thing that echoes in every Indian household is the iconic voice — “Hey Maa, Mataji!”
Yes, for millions of fans, she will forever remain Dayaben from Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah.
But here’s a surprising twist many fans don’t know: before becoming the queen of Garba and the most dramatic wife of Jethalal, Disha Vakani had already appeared in several Bollywood films.
And not just one or two.
She has worked in 8 Hindi films, mostly in supporting roles — sometimes so small that if you blinked, you probably missed her.
Let’s take a fun look at the Bollywood journey of Dayaben before Gokuldham Society made her a household name.
1. Kamsin: The Untouched (1997) – Her Bollywood Debut
Long before the world knew her as Dayaben, Disha Vakani made her Bollywood debut in 1997 with the film Kamsin: The Untouched.
She played a character named Pinky in the film.
While the movie itself didn’t become a mainstream hit, it marked the beginning of her journey in the film industry.
And like many actors in Bollywood, her start came with small roles and limited screen time.
2. Phool Aur Aag (1999)
Next came Phool Aur Aag, a film starring Mithun Chakraborty.
Disha Vakani appeared in a supporting role, though the exact character details were not widely documented.
But this was another step for her in Bollywood during the late 90s.
3. Devdas (2002)
Yes, you read that right.
Dayaben was in Devdas!
The grand Sanjay Leela Bhansali film starring Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai, and Madhuri Dixit featured Disha Vakani in a supporting role as one of the “Sakhis” (companions).
Given the film’s massive scale, it’s easy for viewers to miss small characters — but technically, Dayaben was part of one of Bollywood’s most iconic films.
Not bad for a future queen of Gokuldham.
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4. Mangal Pandey: The Rising (2005)
Another historical film where Disha Vakani made an appearance was Mangal Pandey: The Rising, starring Aamir Khan.
She played a character named Yasmin.
Again, it wasn’t a large role, but it showed that she was steadily getting opportunities in big productions.
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5. Jaana… Let’s Fall in Love (2006)
In the romantic drama Jaana… Let’s Fall in Love, Disha Vakani played Salma Disa.
The film wasn’t a major commercial success, but it added another Bollywood title to her growing filmography.
6. Jodhaa Akbar (2008)
Another massive historical blockbuster where she appeared was Jodhaa Akbar, starring Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai.
Disha Vakani played Madhavi in the film.
Interestingly, she appeared in two Bollywood films in the same year (2008), right before Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah changed her career forever.
7. C Kkompany (2008)
In this comedy film starring Tusshar Kapoor and Anupam Kher, she appeared as Asha Trivedi.
Though a special appearance, it showed her natural flair for comedy — something that would soon become her biggest strength.
8. Love Story 2050 (2008)
Yes, even the futuristic sci-fi film starring Harman Baweja and Priyanka Chopra had a Dayaben connection.
Disha Vakani appeared in the film as a maid.
While the role was small, it officially marks her eighth Bollywood appearance.
From Bollywood Roles to Dayaben Stardom
Despite working in several films, Disha Vakani’s real breakthrough came with television.
In 2008, she joined the sitcom Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, and the rest is TV history.
Her character Dayaben, with her unique voice, exaggerated expressions, and unforgettable Garba dance, quickly became one of the most loved characters in Indian television.
In fact, it became so iconic that many fans still struggle to imagine the show without her.
Disha Vakani Also Worked in Gujarati Cinema
Apart from Hindi films, Disha Vakani also appeared in Gujarati movies like:
- Mahisagar Na Moti
- Paiso Maro Parmeshwar
This regional experience helped shape her strong theatrical acting style, which later made Dayaben such a memorable character.
Today, most fans recognize Disha Vakani only as Dayaben, but her journey tells a different story.
Before ruling Gokuldham Society, she quietly worked in eight Bollywood films, sharing screen space with stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, and Hrithik Roshan.
So the next time you watch Devdas or Jodhaa Akbar, keep an eye out.
You might just spot Dayaben before she became the queen of “Hey Maa Mataji!”