'The Simpsons' Brings Back Apu, New Voice Is Played By Sunil Malhotra
Variety • • entertainment
Key Points:
- "The Simpsons" has brought back the character Apu Nahasapeemapetilon, voiced for the first time in nearly a decade by actor Sunil Malhotra, marking a significant return after years of controversy over the character's portrayal.
- Malhotra was selected after careful discussions with producers to ensure a culturally appropriate and respectful representation, reflecting a broader shift in the show's approach to characters of color following past criticisms.
- The episode "The Revengening" features Apu revealing himself as the mysterious "Daft Monk," addressing his absence and the show's previous handling of the character through a storyline that acknowledges the controversy and promises his return to more frequent appearances.
- The return of Apu coincides with the introduction of his wife Manjula, voiced by Janina Gavankar, and signals a renewed focus on the Nahasapeemapetilon family within the series.
- This move is part of "The Simpsons" ongoing efforts to update its casting and character portrayals, including hiring culturally appropriate voice actors for characters of color, as announced in 2020, and has been met with positive reactions from fans and the South Asian community.
