In the latest episode of “The Simpsons,” titled “Treehouse of Horror Presents: The Revengening,” Apu Nahasapeemapetilon made his first speaking appearance since 2017. While Apu had been seen in the background in recent years, he had refrained from speaking due to criticism of perpetuating racial stereotypes.
Sunil Malhotra, an Indian-American actor known for his work in “The Legend of Korra,” now voices Apu, taking over from Hank Azaria, a white actor who had voiced the character for 27 years. Azaria publicly apologized in 2021 for his involvement in creating and performing the character, expressing regret and a desire to apologize personally to every Indian individual in the country.
The character’s last speaking role before his return was in the 2017 episode “The Serfsons.” The debate over Apu’s portrayal gained traction that same year following the release of the documentary “The Problem with Apu” by Indian-American comedian Hari Kondabolu, which scrutinized the character’s impact and the racial stereotypes associated with him.
Sunil Malhotra shared a photo on Instagram dressed as Apu alongside Janina Gavankar, the voice of Apu’s wife, Manjula, marking Apu’s “homecoming” in the show. Gavankar replaced white actor Tress MacNeille as the voice of Manjula, aligning with the show’s commitment to casting characters of color with actors of color.
“The Simpsons” showrunner Matt Selman revealed that Apu and his family will have a more prominent presence in future episodes, indicating a deliberate effort to evolve the character. Rajiv Satyal, an Indian-American comedian, praised Apu’s return as a significant cultural moment, emphasizing the importance of representation and opportunities for actors from diverse communities.
While Apu’s comeback has elicited mixed reactions online, with some fans welcoming the return and others expressing reservations, the show’s decision to re-introduce the character with a new voice actor reflects an ongoing effort to address past criticisms and diversify its cast.