Apu Nahasapeemapetilon made his first appearance on “The Simpsons” since 2017 in the latest episode, “Treehouse of Horror Presents: The Revengening.” Although the character had been seen in the background in recent years, he had not spoken due to criticisms of perpetuating racial stereotypes.
Sunil Malhotra, an Indian-American actor known for his work in “The Legend of Korra,” now voices Apu, taking over from Hank Azaria, a white actor who had voiced the character for 27 years. Azaria publicly apologized in 2021 for his role in creating and portraying Apu, expressing regret and a desire to personally apologize to every Indian individual in the United States.
Apu’s return follows a period of debate sparked in 2017 by comedian Hari Kondabolu’s documentary, “The Problem with Apu,” which delves into the character’s impact and the stereotypes he embodies. Kondabolu highlighted the discomfort of a white actor mimicking an Indian accent, emphasizing the need for authentic representation.
The recent episode featured Apu’s unexpected return, revealed in a mysterious manner before his unmistakable proclamation, “I am Apu.” Showrunner Matt Selman stated that Apu and his family will have more prominent roles in future episodes, aiming to evolve the character in a thoughtful manner.
The casting changes on “The Simpsons” reflect a broader initiative announced in 2020 to have characters of color voiced by actors from the respective communities. This move saw Sunil Malhotra taking on the role of Apu, along with other recastings like Carl Carlson and Dr. Julius Hibbert.
The return of Apu has elicited mixed reactions online, with some fans welcoming the character’s comeback and others expressing nostalgia for the previous portrayal. The renewed focus on diverse casting and representation has sparked discussions about the impact of fictional characters on cultural perceptions.