The Simpsons gives Apu a new voice after eight years of silence

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, October 20, 2026

The Simpsons has recast the character Apu Nahasapeemapetilon with Indian-American actor Sunil Malhotra, marking the character’s return after an eight-year absence. This shift reflects the show’s effort to address past criticisms of racial stereotyping by collaborating closely with Malhotra to portray Apu authentically and feature his family more prominently in future episodes.

After an eight-year hiatus from speaking on the long-running animated series, the character Apu Nahasapeemapetilon has returned to The Simpsons with a new voice actor. Sunil Malhotra, an Indian-American performer who emigrated to the United States as a child, made his debut as Apu in the recent episode aired on Sunday.

Apu was originally voiced by Hank Azaria, whose portrayal of the convenience store owner had drawn significant criticism for perpetuating racial stereotypes. Concerns about the character’s depiction intensified after the release of the 2017 documentary *The Problem With Apu* by Indian American comedian Hari Kondabolu. In response, Azaria announced in 2020 that he would step away from voicing the character. He later expressed regret for his involvement, apologizing for participating in what many saw as a harmful portrayal.

Malhotra’s casting was kept confidential by the show’s producers. Scripts were withheld from reviewers prior to broadcast, and participants in the episode’s table read were required to sign non-disclosure agreements. According to statements from Malhotra, he was initially apprehensive about taking on the role, acknowledging the controversy surrounding Apu’s legacy. He said he questioned whether the show could bring back the character in a way that addressed past criticisms and allowed him to reimagine the role authentically.

Prior to accepting the part, Malhotra engaged in discussions with The Simpsons showrunner Matt Selman and co-executive producer Cesar Mazariegos, describing the process as “deeply collaborative.” This approach appears to mark a shift in how the show handles representation and sensitivity around formerly contentious characters.

In addition to Malhotra’s new role as Apu, the character’s wife, Manjula, has also gained a new voice. Actress Janina Gavankar now provides her voice, and plans have been announced to feature the Nahasapeemapetilon family more prominently in upcoming episodes.

The move to recast Apu with an actor who shares the character’s heritage reflects a broader industry trend toward greater cultural awareness and inclusivity in media portrayals. It remains to be seen how audiences will respond as the character returns to the series with a fresh perspective.

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