Apu Returns to 'The Simpsons' with South Asian Voice Actors After Years of Controversy

Apu Nahasapeemapetilon Jr., the proprietor of Springfield's Kwik-E-Mart, has spoken again on "The Simpsons" after a nearly decade-long absence, appearing in the show's latest "Treehouse of Horror" episode. The character, voiced for years by white actor Hank Azaria, was given a voice by Indian American actors Sunil Malhotra and Janina Gavankar. Malhotra and Gavankar expressed their enthusiasm in a joint Instagram post, calling Apu's return "a reclamation" and "truly HIS homecoming."

The reappearance addresses years of criticism, particularly following comedian Hari Kondabolu's 2017 documentary "The Problem With Apu." In the film, Kondabolu and other South Asian celebrities shared how the character's portrayal—as a convenience store owner with a thick accent—contributed to harmful stereotypes and led to them being bullied. Many felt Apu represented a narrow and often offensive depiction of Indian identity in America, especially as he was one of the few consistent South Asian characters on television for years.

Hank Azaria announced in 2020 that he would no longer voice Apu, stating it "just didn't feel right." This decision followed a 2018 "Simpsons" episode that briefly addressed the controversy with a dismissive joke, which was widely criticized as inadequate. "The Simpsons" later announced a broader policy of not casting white actors for characters of color.

Executive producer Matt Selman stated that the show wanted to bring Apu back in a "smart, Simpsons-y way that allowed him to evolve." He added, "We're excited by what Sunil has already brought to the role and look forward to seeing more of Apu in the future."

Kondabolu, while not involved in Apu's return, praised the show for finding a "clever solution" and expressed hope that this development would end the negative attention he has received. He remains proud of the conversation about race and representation his documentary initiated.

The character's revival comes at a time of increased anti-South Asian sentiment and hate crimes. Reports indicate a rise in racist slurs and threats against South Asians and Indians online. The return of Apu with authentic voices is seen by some as a positive step in a climate where South Asian identity is being questioned.

"It's great to see that the show has evolved in time and now, especially with the discrimination and, really, the targeting of South Asians and Indian Americans as of late — questioning our patriotism, our American identity and even whether we're college football fans," said Amar Shah, an author and producer who previously wrote about his sentimental connection to Apu. He noted that while the voice has changed, Apu's "genuine humanity" remains.

This development also coincides with a broader increase in South Asian representation across media and politics, with figures like Mindy Kaling, Vice President Kamala Harris, and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani achieving prominence. Scholars like Shilpa Davé observe that while Apu was once a rare representation, South Asians are now depicted in a "plethora of different kinds" of roles across various shows and films.