Apu from The Simpsons has been recast after nearly a decade without a voice.
In 2017, Kwik-E-Mart owner Apu Nahasapeemapetilon uttered his last words on the animated sitcom and has since remained silent.
It came after criticism that the character, originally voiced by Hank Azaria, who put on an Indian accent, played into racist stereotypes.
Sunil Malhotra is the new voice of Apu
Getty
That same year a documentary called The Problem with Apu, detailed the negative impact the stereotypical portrayal of the convenience store owner has on the South Asian community.
Voice actor Sunil Malhotra will now portray the fan-favourite character and made his debut on Sunday, October 18, as Apu.
Malhotra, who was born in India and then moved to the US as a child, first appeared in “Treehouse of Horror Presents: The Revengening”.
In the episode, Apu finally found his voice again as he was unmasked as a mysterious figure wreaking havoc on his neighbours in the Halloween-themed episode.
Hank Azaria officially confirmed in 2020 that Apu had been dropped from his repertoire of characters on The Simpsons
Getty
He was joined by other new voice actor Janina Gavankar, who plays Apu’s wife, Manjula – previously voiced by Jan Hooks and Tress MacNeille.
In a joint Instagram post celebrating the return of the characters, the actors said: “Bringing Apu back feels like a reclamation. It truly IS his homecoming.”
Azaria officially confirmed in 2020 that Apu had been dropped from his repertoire of characters on The Simpsons, explaining: “We all made the decision together. We all agreed on it. We all feel like it’s the right thing and [feel] good about it.”
Malhotra has previously acted in shows such as ER, House and The West Wing, as well as roles in animated series like The Legend Of Korra, The Mr. Peabody & Sherman Show and Skull Island.
However, he told Deadline that despite his extensive career, his “stomach sunk” when his agent first called him about the role.
“It had been eight years since Apu had spoken on the show, and it got me thinking. Did the writers room look different now? Could they bring him back in a way that acknowledged and apologised for past mistakes?
“Could I make the character my own and reclaim him in some way? And could they achieve all of that in an unmistakably Simpsons way that didn’t disappoint fans?”
He explained he met with showrunner Matt Selman to bring Apu back to life the correct way that would also appeal to South Asian viewers.
“I really feel like we did, and I can’t wait for fans to see more Apu.”