Apu returns to The Simpsons with South Asian voice actors

WKMG News 6 ClickOrlando reported that the character Apu Nahasapeemapetilon from The Simpsons has returned to the show after nearly a decade of absence. The return occurred during a recent Halloween-themed episode, which featured Apu, his wife Manjula, and their children in a significant storyline.

The character is now voiced by South Asian actors Sunil Malhotra and Janina Gavankar, marking a change from previous portrayals. Malhotra and Gavankar described the return as a "reclamation" and a "homecoming" for the character.

This development follows years of discussion and criticism regarding Apu's representation as a stereotype of South Asian Americans. The 2017 documentary "The Problem With Apu" by comedian Hari Kondabolu brought attention to these concerns, leading to the character's reduced presence on the show.

The documentary featured interviews with South Asian celebrities who shared their perspectives on growing up with the character. The recent reintroduction of Apu with authentic South Asian voices represents a notable shift in the show's approach to the character.