Apu returns with a new voice
The Simpsons allows the controversial character to speak again after years, now voiced by Sunil Malhotra.
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The character Apu Nahasapeemapetilon has spoken again in a new episode of The Simpsons. This time, the voice is provided by Sunil Malhotra, an actor of South Asian background.
Apu was a recognisable character in The Simpsons for years, but his role was greatly reduced after criticism of his accent and stereotypical traits. In 2017, the character last spoke in a regular episode with Hank Azaria’s original voice.
The return took place in an episode broadcast in the United States on Sunday. Variety reported that Malhotra is the new voice actor. According to AP, choosing an actor of South Asian background was part of how the creators are reintroducing the character.
The debate surrounding Apu became widely known through the 2017 documentary The Problem with Apu. In it, comedian Hari Kondabolu argued that the character was an example of a recurring stereotype for many South Asian viewers. The film prompted debate about representation, casting and who should be allowed to portray certain characters.
Azaria announced in 2020 that he no longer wanted to voice characters of non-white backgrounds. The Simpsons subsequently announced that white actors would no longer portray non-white characters. Apu’s return therefore does not mean that the character’s previous form is simply being resumed.
The return in this episode does not in itself mean that Apu will also have a major role for the rest of the season. It does show, however, that the creators have not written the character out of the series entirely. Viewers’ reactions, as well as those of people who previously criticised the character, may help determine how the series proceeds with Apu.
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Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The factual core has been confirmed by two independent entertainment sources. Interpretations about the character’s future role have been presented as uncertain.
- confirmed Apu spoke again in the new episode. — AP and Variety reported the return in the broadcast on 18 October. source
- confirmed Sunil Malhotra voices Apu. — Variety names Malhotra as the new voice actor. source
- confirmed Hank Azaria stopped voicing non-white characters. — AP describes this change in the context of Apu. source
Editor's note
The return, episode and new voice actor were reported by AP and Variety. The extent of Apu’s future role is not yet known.Sources
- After years of backlash, Apu returns to The Simpsons — Associated Press
- The Simpsons Surprise: Apu Returns With New Voice Actor — Variety
More on this in Dutch media
- de Volkskrant — „the simpsons”
- RTL Nieuws — „the simpsons”
- NOS — „the simpsons”