The Simpsons has brought back one of Springfield’s most recognizable residents after years away from speaking roles. Apu Nahasapeemapetilon returned during Season 38 with a new voice actor, following longstanding criticism of the character’s portrayal. The casting change gives the character an opportunity to evolve while addressing some of the concerns surrounding his past appearances.
Sunil Malhotra replaces Hank Azaria as Apu returns to The Simpsons after eight years
Apu returned during the October 18 episode of The Simpsons Season 38. Titled “The Revengening,” the pre-Halloween episode revealed that Apu had been hiding in plain sight. Actor Sunil Malhotra now voices the Kwik-E-Mart shopkeeper, replacing Hank Azaria.
Apu’s last spoken appearance came before Azaria stepped away from the role in 2017. The decision followed criticism that the character reinforced racial stereotypes about South Asian people. Azaria, who is not South Asian, later apologized amid the backlash.
Malhotra told Variety that the audition initially made his “stomach sink.” However, he became curious about the possibility of returning Apu to the show. He wondered whether the writers could address past criticism while allowing the character to evolve.
“It had been eight years since Apu had spoken on the show,” Malhotra explained. He questioned whether the character could return without making South Asians “the butt of the joke.” Initially, he admitted he “was prepared to walk away” from the role. The actor eventually found the experience collaborative and promising.
Executive producer Matt Selman also expressed enthusiasm about Apu’s comeback. “We love this character, and wanted to bring him back in a smart, Simpsons-y way that allowed him to evolve,” he told Variety. Selman added that the team was excited about Malhotra’s contribution and hoped audiences would see more of Apu.
Apu’s portrayal had drawn criticism for years before the character’s return. His comeback therefore represents more than a casting change for the long-running animated series. The production is bringing the character back with a new voice actor while addressing the criticism surrounding his earlier portrayal.
The October 18 episode also introduced another casting development involving Apu’s family. Janina Gavankar made her vocal debut as his wife, Manjula. The change adds another South Asian performer to the animated comedy’s voice cast.
