Apu Nahasapeemapetilon made his first appearance on the latest episode of “The Simpsons,” titled “Treehouse of Horror Presents: The Revengening,” marking his return since 2017. Despite being seen in the background over the years, the character had refrained from speaking due to concerns 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 portrayed the character for 27 years. Azaria publicly apologized in 2021 for his involvement in creating and voicing Apu, expressing regret and a desire to make amends for any offense caused.
Apu’s reappearance follows his last vocal appearance in the 2017 episode “The Serfsons.” The debate surrounding Apu’s depiction gained traction that same year when Indian-American comedian Hari Kondabolu released the documentary “The Problem with Apu,” exploring the character’s impact and the stereotypes critics argue he embodies.
The return of Apu also introduces Janina Gavankar as the new voice of Apu’s wife, Manjula, replacing white actor Tress MacNeille. This recasting aligns with the show’s commitment, announced in June 2020, to have characters of color voiced by actors of color. Other recastings include Alex Désert as Carl Carlson and Kevin Michael Richardson as Dr. Julius Hibbert.
The surprise comeback of the Kwik-E-Mart owner was revealed during the recent episode, where Apu emerges as a mysterious figure before declaring his identity with the iconic line, “I am Apu.” Showrunner Matt Selman stated that Apu and his family will have a more prominent presence in future episodes, emphasizing a desire for the character’s evolution.
Sunil Malhotra initially had reservations about taking on the role but was reassured after discussions with Selman and co-executive producer Cesar Mazariegos. Malhotra described the experience of recording Apu’s return as a significant moment.
Public reactions to Apu’s return have been mixed, with some fans celebrating the character’s comeback and others expressing skepticism or nostalgia for the previous portrayal. The renewed focus on Apu reflects ongoing efforts within the show to address past controversies and evolve its representation of diverse characters.