A character from “The Simpsons,” Apu Nahasapeemapetilon, made a return in the recent episode “Treehouse of Horror Presents: The Revengening,” marking his first speaking appearance since 2017. Apu, who has been a background character in the show, has now been voiced by Sunil Malhotra, an Indian-American actor known for his work in “The Legend of Korra.” This change comes after Hank Azaria, a white actor who previously voiced Apu for 27 years, apologized in 2021 for his involvement in perpetuating racial stereotypes through the character.
The debate surrounding Apu intensified in 2017 following the release of the documentary “The Problem with Apu” by Indian-American comedian Hari Kondabolu. The documentary explores the cultural impact and stereotypes associated with the character. Kondabolu expressed concerns about a white actor like Azaria voicing Apu, stating that it felt like mockery when done outside the cartoon setting.
In a surprising twist, Apu’s return was kept under wraps until the recent episode where he made a dramatic reentrance with the iconic line, “I am Apu.” The show has also announced a broader initiative to cast actors of color for characters of color, with other roles like Carl Carlson and Dr. Julius Hibbert being recast accordingly.
Showrunner Matt Selman emphasized the importance of evolving the character of Apu and integrating him back into the series in a meaningful way. The return of Apu, along with his family, is expected to be a more regular occurrence in future episodes. Sunil Malhotra, the new voice of Apu, initially had reservations about taking on the role but was reassured after discussions with the show’s producers.
Indian-American comedian Rajiv Satyal welcomed Apu’s return as a significant cultural moment. He stressed the need for representation in casting decisions and highlighted the importance of providing opportunities for actors from diverse communities. Satyal also advocated for allowing Apu to be a character rather than a representative of an entire community.
Apu’s comeback has sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some fans expressing excitement over his return, while others have raised concerns about the casting change. The show’s decision to bring back Apu with a new voice has ignited discussions about the evolving landscape of representation in popular media.