The Simpsons has recast the character of Apu Nahasapeemapetilon, with voice actor Sunil Malhotra making his debut in the part during Sunday night's episode titled The Revenging.
For decades, the local shopkeeper was voiced by American actor Hank Azaria, who became known for the catchphrase "Thank you, come again." Azaria, who also voices bartender Moe Szyslak and Chief Wiggum among other roles, used an Indian accent for Apu. In 2017, the show faced criticism when comedian Hari Kondabolu released the documentary The Problem with Apu, and Azaria eventually stepped down from the role. Apu's voice had not been heard since.
New Cast Members for Apu and Manjula
Apu was seen alongside his wife Manjula, whom he married in season nine and with whom he has eight children. Manjula was initially played by Jan Hookes and then Tress MacNeille. The Morning Show actress Janina Gavankar has now taken on that part.
Executive producer Matt Selman said: "We love this character, and wanted to bring him back in a smart, 'Simpsons'-y way that allowed him to evolve. We're excited by what Sunil has already brought to the role, and look forward to seeing more of Apu in the future."
Background of the Controversy
Sunil Malhotra has appeared in Grey's Anatomy and Fair Grade and has worked extensively as a voice artist, with roles in animations such as Monster High, The Legend of Vox Machina and The Loud House.
The documentary that sparked the controversy about the Kwik-E-Mart owner saw Kondabolu interview actors and comics of South Asian descent about whether they found the Indian character offensive. Show creator Matt Groening later defended Apu, saying: "Who's a better Indian animated character in the last 30 years?"
Earlier Reports of Dropping the Character
Just over a year later, show producer Adi Shankar revealed that, after trying to crowdsource a new script about Apu in a bid to clear the character's name, he had been told by bosses that the character would not make an on-screen return. Adi told IndieWire: "I've verified from multiple sources now: They're going to drop the Apu character altogether. They aren't going to make a big deal out of it, or anything like that, but they'll drop him altogether just to avoid the controversy."
He added: "If you are a show about cultural commentary and you are too afraid to comment on the culture, especially when it's a component of the culture you had a hand in creating, then you are a show about cowardice. It's not a step forward, or step backwards, it's just a massive step sideways. I feel like sidestepping this issue doesn't solve it when the whole purpose of art, I would argue, is to bring us together."
