Apu Nahasapeemapetilon has made his first appearance on the long-running animated series “The Simpsons” since 2017, returning in the latest episode titled “Treehouse of Horror Presents: The Revengening.”
Despite making background appearances in recent years, Apu had refrained from speaking due to criticisms that his character perpetuated racial stereotypes. The character is now voiced by Sunil Malhotra, an Indian-American actor known for his work in “The Legend of Korra,” taking over from Hank Azaria, a white actor who had voiced Apu for 27 years.
In a podcast interview with Dax Shepherd on “Armchair Expert,” Azaria expressed remorse for his involvement in creating and voicing the character, acknowledging the harm caused by Apu’s depiction.
Apu’s last speaking role prior to his return was in the 2017 episode “The Serfsons.” The controversy surrounding Apu intensified that same year following the release of the documentary “The Problem with Apu” by Indian-American comedian Hari Kondabolu, which analyzed the character’s impact and the stereotypes he embodies.
The news of Apu’s return was kept under wraps until the recent episode aired, where he was reintroduced in a mysterious manner before making a definitive comeback by proclaiming, “I am Apu.”
Showrunner Matt Selman mentioned that Apu and his family will have a more prominent presence in future episodes, highlighting the show’s commitment to evolving and addressing past missteps.
Indian-American comedian Rajiv Satyal applauded Apu’s return as a significant cultural moment, underscoring the importance of representation while advocating for opportunities for actors from diverse backgrounds.
The unexpected comeback of Apu has sparked varied reactions online, with some fans welcoming the character’s return and others expressing nostalgia for the previous voice actor, Hank Azaria. Despite differing opinions, the reintroduction of Apu has initiated discussions on representation and the evolving landscape of popular media.