Apu Nahasapeemapetilon, the proprietor of Springfield's Kwik-E-Mart, has spoken for the first time in nearly nine years. The character, voiced by veteran actor Sunil Malhotra, reappeared in "The Revengening," the third episode of The Simpsons' 38th season.
Malhotra, known for his work on "Grey's Anatomy" and "The Legend of Korra," was reportedly kept under strict non-disclosure agreements throughout the production process. Executive producer Matt Selman stated that the decision to bring Apu back was made to evolve the character in a way that felt true to the show. "We're excited by what Sunil has already brought to the role, and look forward to seeing more of Apu in the future," Selman told Variety.
The character's absence from speaking roles began after the 2017 documentary "The Problem With Apu," which examined the character's portrayal and its impact on individuals of South Asian descent. Hank Azaria, who had voiced Apu for 29 seasons, subsequently announced he would no longer portray the character, expressing remorse for his past performance.
Following Azaria's departure, Apu appeared in the show without dialogue. The idea to reintroduce the character with a new voice actor reportedly originated from staffer Nick Hahan and co-executive producer Cesar Mazariegos, leading to the search for a new performer.
Malhotra initially felt trepidation about taking on the role, given its controversial history. "But admittedly, part of me was also curious," he shared with Variety. "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 apologized for past mistakes? Could I make the character my own, and reclaim him in some way?"
Ultimately convinced that Apu's return was being handled thoughtfully, Malhotra described the experience as deeply collaborative. "It was the beginning of a deeply collaborative experience that I hope is equally satisfying for longtime fans of ‘The Simpsons’ and for other South Asian kids who, like me, stopped watching at some point along the way," he said.
In "The Revengening," Apu, disguised in a Daft Punk-inspired costume, seeks revenge on those who had seemingly left him for dead. The episode culminates with Apu revealing his identity and confronting the townspeople, who offer apologies for their past actions. Malhotra expressed satisfaction with the reintroduction, particularly with Apu's line, "I AM APU!" He noted, "I really feel like we did and I can’t wait for fans to see more Apu."