Apu Nahasapeemapetilon made his first appearance on “The Simpsons” in four years during the latest episode, “Treehouse of Horror Presents: The Revengening.” While the character had been seen in the background, he had not spoken since 2017 due to concerns about perpetuating racial stereotypes.
Sunil Malhotra, an Indian-American actor known for his work on “The Legend of Korra,” now provides the voice for Apu, taking over from Hank Azaria, a white actor who had voiced the character for nearly three decades. Azaria publicly apologized in 2021 for his involvement in creating and portraying Apu, expressing regret and a desire to make amends.
A documentary titled “The Problem with Apu,” released by Indian-American comedian Hari Kondabolu in 2017, sparked a heated debate about the character’s impact and the stereotypes he represents. Kondabolu criticized Azaria’s portrayal, stating that it felt like a white person mocking South Asian culture.
The return of Apu was kept under wraps until the episode aired, where he made a dramatic entrance, declaring his identity. Showrunner Matt Selman mentioned that Apu and his family will have a more prominent presence in future episodes, emphasizing the character’s evolution.
The decision to recast Apu and other characters with actors of color aligns with the show’s commitment to diversity. The recasting includes Janina Gavankar taking over as the voice of Apu’s wife, Manjula, replacing Tress MacNeille. The show also introduced new voices for other characters of color in recent seasons.
Sunil Malhotra initially hesitated about accepting the role of Apu but was reassured after discussions with the show’s producers. He described the recording process for Apu’s return as a significant and meaningful experience.
The unexpected return of Apu has sparked mixed reactions online, with some fans welcoming his comeback while others expressing nostalgia for the previous voice actor. The show continues to provoke discussions about its relevance and impact on viewers after decades on the air.