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THE SIMPSONS Brings Apu Back With a New Voice and a Chance to Move Forward

After nearly nine years without speaking, Apu returns with an Indian American voice actor and renewed questions about representation.

By KazooWatch Newsroom
Editor, KazooWatch

Published October 25, 2026 · 2:10 AM EDT

SPOILER WARNING: This article reveals a surprise from the October 18 episode of THE SIMPSONS.

After nearly nine years without a speaking role, Apu Nahasapeemapetilon has returned to THE SIMPSONS, this time with a new voice and a different approach to the character.

Apu spoke again in the October 18 episode, “The Revengening,” with Indian American actor Sunil Malhotra taking over the role previously performed by Hank Azaria. Janina Gavankar has also joined the cast as Apu’s wife, Manjula, according to Variety’s original reporting and interviews.

The Problem with Apu promotional still.

**Credit:** TMDB / promotional artwork
Promotional artwork
themoviedb.org

Apu’s absence followed years of criticism concerning racial stereotypes, particularly those examined in comedian Hari Kondabolu’s 2017 documentary THE PROBLEM WITH APU. The Associated Press also reported Kondabolu’s perspective on the character’s return and the discussion his documentary initiated.

Executive producer Matt Selman has indicated that Apu and his family will continue appearing in future episodes, according to Variety.

The new casting addresses who gives Apu his voice. How THE SIMPSONS develops the character from here will be the more meaningful test.

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