Apu Returns to The Simpsons with New Voice After Race Row
Actor Sunil Malhotra has officially taken over the role of Apu Nahasapeemapetilon in The Simpsons, marking the character's first dialogue since October 2017's 'The Serfsons.' The fresh episode titled 'The Revengening' premiered on Sunday, with Malhotra describing the opportunity as a 'reclamation' and a 'homecoming' on social media. Hank Azaria previously voiced Apu, retiring from the role in 2020 following backlash regarding racial representations. In this new episode, Apu makes a return in a 'Daft Monk' costume, addressing the residents of Springfield, alongside an apology from Marge Simpson. Janina Gavankar voices Apu's wife, Manjula.
Key facts
- Apu returned to The Simpsons in the episode 'The Revengening' on Sunday.
- Sunil Malhotra, an India-born US-raised actor, now voices Apu.
- Apu had not spoken since the October 2017 episode 'The Serfsons.'
- Hank Azaria, a white actor, previously voiced Apu with an Indian accent and stepped down in 2020.
- Hari Kondabolu's 2017 documentary 'The Problem With Apu' criticized the character as a racial stereotype.
- In the comeback episode, Apu is repeatedly killed by Springfield residents before revealing himself at City Hall.
- Janina Gavankar now voices Apu's wife, Manjula, taking over from Jan Hooks and Tress MacNeille.
- Malhotra collaborated with showrunner Matt Selman and co-executive producer Cesar Mazariegos on the character's return.
Entities
Artists
- Sunil Malhotra
- Hank Azaria
- Hari Kondabolu
- Janina Gavankar
- Jan Hooks
- Tress MacNeille
- Matt Selman
- Cesar Mazariegos
- Matt Groening
- Dax Shepherd
Institutions
- The Simpsons
- Apple TV
- Variety
- Armchair Expert
Locations
- India
- United States
- Springfield