Apu Speaks Again as Sunil Malhotra Takes Over on The Simpsons
Apu is talking again.
The Kwik-E-Mart owner spoke on The Simpsons for the first time in nearly a decade in 'The Revengening', which aired Sunday, Oct. 18 on Fox. His new voice is actor Sunil Malhotra, in casting first reported by Variety.
Malhotra takes over from Hank Azaria, who voiced Apu for 30 years. Azaria stepped away from the role in January 2020 after long-running criticism that the character was a stereotype. He later apologised for his part in the portrayal.
Apu had been seen on the show since then, but not heard. His last speaking appearance was in the October 2017 episode 'The Serfsons'. That silence lasted almost nine years.
'The Revengening' ended it. The Halloween-themed episode was written by Nick Dahan, who came up with the return story with co-executive producer Cesar Mazariegos. It also introduced a new voice for Apu's wife Manjula, played by Janina Gavankar in her debut in the role.
Fox did not share a screener, meaning an advance copy sent to reviewers, before transmission. The new performances were heard by the public for the first time on air.
Executive producer Matt Selman said the return is not a one-off. With Apu back and the Kwik-E-Mart reopened, viewers will see and hear more of Apu, Manjula and the rest of the Nahasapeemapetilon family.
For fans, this means a favourite corner of Springfield is open again. The long-running animation follows Homer and Marge Simpson raising Bart, Lisa and baby Maggie in the town of Springfield. The show is rated TV-14, and available Season 38 episodes can be streamed on FOX One, according to Fox.
