Iconic Simpsons Character Apu Returns to the Screen

The End of a Long Hiatus

There is significant news for fans of the animated series The Simpsons: the legendary character Apu Nahasapeemapetilon, who last spoke in the show in 2017, has returned to the screen. In the third episode of the show's 38th season, titled "The Revengening," viewers saw the character with a new voice. From now on, the role will be performed by actor and professional voice artist Sunil Malhotra.

For years, Apu remained a background presence, appearing in shots but never speaking. This change followed the 2017 documentary "The Problem With Apu," in which comedian Hari Kondabolu criticised the character's stereotypical portrayal and its negative impact on people of South Asian descent. Following this, the character's long-time voice actor, Hank Azaria, stepped down from the role and issued a public apology.

Character Evolution and Return

Executive producer Matt Selman noted that the team wanted to bring the character back in a "smart" way, consistent with the style of The Simpsons, allowing for his further development. The return process was kept strictly confidential, with script discussions conducted under non-disclosure agreements (NDAs).

New actor Sunil Malhotra admits he was initially sceptical, but after speaking with the producers, he became convinced that the move was handled with respect and responsibility. "I was interested in whether the writers could bring the character back in a way that acknowledged past mistakes while allowing me to make the character my own," Malhotra stated.

What This Means for the Series

In the episode "The Revengening," Apu returns with a motive for revenge, confronting the residents of Springfield. In the dialogue, the show's creators made direct references to the character's long absence, with other characters apologising to him for having abandoned him. Many have interpreted this scenario as the show acknowledging its own mistakes and turning a new page.

According to Sunil Malhotra, the most emotional moment for him was recording Apu's lines filled with anger in the studio. The producers hope that the new Apu created by Malhotra will satisfy both old and new generations of viewers. It is not yet known how frequently we will see the character in future episodes, but his return has already become one of the most discussed events in the history of the series.