Apu returns to The Simpsons with Sunil Malhotra’s voice
Apu’s Voice Returns: A Journey of Reclamation for a Simpsons Icon
For years, the beloved character of Apu Nahasapeemapetilon existed in the shadows of Springfield, a familiar figure in the world of The Simpsons. However, that familiarity was complicated by controversy, highlighted by a documentary that brought attention to the impact of the character on South Asian communities. This public scrutiny led to a significant shift, prompting his voice actor, Hank Azaria, to retire the role and effectively render Apu a silent background presence for many years.
A decade after Azaria first brought Apu to life in the episode The Serfsons, the character had faded from auditory memory. The absence left a void, a space that fans felt was missing from the fabric of the show. But the narrative of Apu is far from over; it is now poised for a significant reintroduction.
The long-awaited return is finally here, debuting in the episode The Revengining. This time, the role is being filled by actor Sunil Malhotra, bringing a new dynamic to the familiar role.
Malhotra, who took on the voice, spoke candidly about the experience. He admitted that pursuing the role was initially unsettling, but it sparked deep curiosity about the creative environment of The Simpsons. He wondered if the writers’ room had changed, and whether they could reclaim the character in a way that acknowledged past oversights and apologized for them. He sought a way to make the character his own, ensuring the return felt authentic and satisfying to both long-time fans and the wider community.
The process of securing the role was deeply collaborative. Malhotra shared that he only pursued the opportunity after establishing a strong connection with showrunners Matt Selman and co-executive producer Cesar Mazariegos, both of whom were eager to work with him. This experience was described as a deeply satisfying journey, one that bridged the enthusiasm of longtime viewers with the perspectives of other South Asian children who had followed the show.
Adding another layer to Apu’s story, the character’s world expands with the introduction of his family. Janina Gavankar joins the cast as Apu’s wife, Manjula, a role previously voiced by the late Jan Hooks. This expansion not only deepens the narrative but showcases a richer, more complex portrait of the character and his life in Springfield.
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