Veteran actor Bhim Vakani, father of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah fame Disha Vakani, has passed away at the age of 84. Disha’s father, Bhim Vakani, was a noted actor in Gujarati films, and the news of his passing was confirmed by Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah's producer Asit Kumarr Modi.

He had reportedly been dealing with paralysis for over a year and was recently diagnosed with pneumonia, which worsened his condition. He was hospitalised and died on April 7 at 8:30 AM.

Bhim Vakani was widely respected for his contributions to Gujarati theatre, where he built a reputation over decades. In Bollywood, he appeared in notable films such as Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India (2001), where he played Kazi, Swades (2004) as Panch Narayan, and Lajja (2001). On television, he also made a guest appearance in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah as Mavji Chheda, a close friend of Champaklal Gada.