Apu Returns to The Simpsons With Indian-American Voice

After nearly a decade of silence, Apu Nahasapeemapetilon has returned to The Simpsons — and for the first time, the Kwik-E-Mart manager is voiced by an Indian-American actor. Sunil Malhotra debuted as Apu in the October 18, 2026 episode 'Treehouse of Horror Presents: The Revengening,' replacing Hank Azaria, the white actor who had voiced the character for almost 30 years.

Why Did Apu Disappear From The Simpsons?

Apu's last speaking appearance before the long hiatus came in October 2017. For years, the character had drawn criticism for a thick, exaggerated Indian accent and a stereotype-laden portrayal of South Asian immigrants. That criticism gained mainstream attention through comedian Hari Kondabolu's 2017 documentary The Problem With Apu, which examined how South Asian people are depicted in pop culture. After the killing of George Floyd in 2020 intensified demands for better South Asian representation in Hollywood, Azaria stepped away from the role. In 2020, The Simpsons also announced that white actors would no longer voice non-white characters.

Who Is the New Apu Voice Actor?

Sunil Malhotra's Path to Springfield

Sunil Malhotra, 50, moved to the United States from India as a child and has built a long career in animation, television and video games. His credits include The Legend of Korra, Grey's Anatomy, World of Warcraft, League of Legends, Halo: Reach, Fallout 4 and Mortal Kombat 1. Malhotra said the audition initially made his 'stomach sink,' but he accepted only after meeting showrunner Matt Selman and co-executive producer Cesar Mazariegos to ensure Apu would be handled respectfully.

Janina Gavankar Joins as Manjula

Apu's wife Manjula is now voiced by Indian-American actress Janina Gavankar. Reports say the casting was kept secret, with no advance screeners and non-disclosure agreements at the table read.

How The Simpsons Brought Apu Back

Inside 'The Revengening' Episode

The October 18 episode, a Halloween Treehouse of Horror prelude, parodies horror films as Apu appears disguised as the helmeted killer 'Daft Monk.' The storyline directly addresses the controversy: Apu confronts Springfield as 'the man you left for dead,' while Marge apologizes on the town's behalf. The debate sparked by the The Problem With Apu documentary is woven into the plot rather than ignored.

A 'Smart, Simpsons-y' Evolution

Executive producer Matt Selman said the show wanted to let Apu 'evolve in a smart, Simpsons-y way,' and confirmed the Nahasapeemapetilon family will appear more regularly. Malhotra described the process as collaborative and culturally careful.

What Apu's Return Means for Representation

Malhotra and Gavankar celebrated the news on Instagram, calling the return a 'reclamation' and 'homecoming.' Malhotra said: “The return of Apu feels like a reclamation. It truly is his homecoming.” Kondabolu welcomed the recast, saying he never wanted the character cancelled. For many fans, the moment reflects a broader shift in diversity in animated television and follows years of debate about authentic voice casting.

FAQ: Apu Returns to The Simpsons

Who voices Apu now?

Indian-American actor Sunil Malhotra now voices Apu Nahasapeemapetilon, taking over from Hank Azaria.

Why did Hank Azaria stop voicing Apu?

Azaria, who is white, stepped away after criticism that Apu's thick accent and stereotypical portrayal were racially insensitive, a debate amplified by the 2017 documentary The Problem With Apu.

When did Apu last speak before the return?

Apu's last speaking appearance was in October 2017; he remained largely silent until the October 18, 2026 episode.

Who voices Apu's wife Manjula?

Manjula is now voiced by Indian-American actress Janina Gavankar.

Will Apu appear in more episodes?

Yes, executive producer Matt Selman has said Apu and his family will appear more regularly as the character evolves.