Apu Nahasapeemapetilon has made a comeback on the latest episode of “The Simpsons,” marking his first speaking appearance since 2017 in “Treehouse of Horror Presents: The Revengening.” Despite being seen in the background in recent years, Apu had refrained from speaking due to criticisms of perpetuating racial stereotypes.
Sunil Malhotra, an Indian-American actor known for his work in “The Legend of Korra,” now lends his voice to Apu, taking over from Hank Azaria, a white actor who had voiced the character for 27 years. Azaria publicly apologized in 2021, acknowledging his contribution to the creation and portrayal of Apu and expressing regret over the impact of the character.
A documentary by Indian-American comedian Hari Kondabolu, titled “The Problem with Apu,” sparked a debate on the character’s depiction and the cultural stereotypes it embodies. Kondabolu highlighted how Azaria’s portrayal of Apu, particularly outside the animated world, could be perceived as a white person mocking South Asian culture.
The return of Apu was kept under wraps until the recent episode, where he emerges as a mysterious figure before confirming his identity with the iconic line, “I am Apu.” Showrunner Matt Selman indicated that Apu and his family would have a more prominent presence in future episodes, emphasizing the character’s evolution in a manner befitting the show’s style.
Sunil Malhotra, initially hesitant about taking on the role, found reassurance in discussions with Selman and co-executive producer Cesar Mazariegos. He described the recording of Apu’s reintroduction as a significant moment and a chance to acknowledge past missteps.
The decision to recast characters of color with actors of color, including Apu, aligns with a broader initiative announced by the show in June 2020. The recasting of Manjula, Apu’s wife, with Janina Gavankar, marks another step in this direction, alongside other character changes within the series.
The surprise return of Apu has sparked mixed reactions online, with some fans welcoming his comeback and others expressing nostalgia for the previous portrayal by Hank Azaria. The ongoing debate surrounding the character underscores the show’s continued relevance and the evolving perspectives on cultural representation in media.