Apu returns to The Simpsons with new voice after race row
The Simpsons character Apu has returned to the show, voiced by a new actor, after almost a decade away amid accusations of racial stereotypes.
The beloved character Apu Nahasapeemapetilon has returned to The Simpsons after nearly a decade, voiced by a new actor. The return was announced in Sunday's episode, titled The Revengening, which aired on US network Fox. Apu, whose full name is Apu Nahasapeemapetilon, had last been heard but not seen on the show since October 2017's The Serfsons episode.
The character, part of the long-running animated series since 1990, was previously voiced by white actor Hank Azaria, who used an Indian accent. Apu's return has been a closely kept secret, but actor Sunil Malhotra, who voices the character, has made it clear that it feels like a reclamation. Malhotra, who is India-born and US-raised, shared his thoughts on Instagram, stating that it truly is his homecoming.
Apu's wife, Manjula, will now be voiced by Janina Gavankar, replacing Jan Hooks and Tress MacNeille. The episode features Apu summoning everyone to Springfield City Hall, revealing his story of being nearly killed dozens of times, and eventually being healed by Dr Nick. Marge Simpson, representing the producers, apologizes to Apu, who laments that they were left for dead and wanted to do the right thing.
Bart and Homer Simpson remind viewers of Apu's significance to the town, as the episode explores the character's past and the controversies surrounding it.
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