The Simpsons: Apu Returns After Nearly a Decade with New Voice Actor
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Key Takeaways
- Apu Nahasapeemapetilon spoke for the first time in nearly a decade on 'The Simpsons'.
- Actor Sunil Malhotra has taken over the role from Hank Azaria.
- Janina Gavankar debuted as the new voice of Apu's wife, Manjula.
- Producers used strict NDAs and withheld screeners to keep the return a surprise.
The long-awaited return of Apu Nahasapeemapetilon to 'The Simpsons' has finally happened, marking a significant milestone for the iconic animated series. During Sunday night's episode titled 'The Revengening' on Fox, the fan-favorite character spoke for the first time in nearly a decade. Variety exclusively confirmed that actor and voice-over veteran Sunil Malhotra, known for his work in 'Grey’s Anatomy' and 'The Legend of Korra', has taken over the iconic role.
The character of Apu had been largely sidelined following years of cultural debate and controversy regarding stereotypical depictions of South Asian immigrants. While Apu had made silent, background appearances over the years, his last spoken line occurred in an October 2017 episode titled 'The Serfsons'. Hank Azaria, who originally voiced the character since its inception, stepped down from the role amid growing calls for authentic representation in voice acting.
To ensure the surprise remained intact, producers of 'The Simpsons' implemented extraordinarily tight security protocols. Fox did not provide advance screeners for the episode, and everyone involved in the production, including participants at the table read, signed strict non-disclosure agreements. This secrecy allowed the October surprise to land with maximum impact for viewers watching live on Sunday evening.
Alongside Malhotra's debut as Apu, the episode also introduced Janina Gavankar, known for 'The Morning Show', as the new voice of Apu's wife, Manjula. With the Kwik-E-Mart officially reopened and the Nahasapeemapetilon family back in active rotation, executive producer Matt Selman indicated that fans can expect to see and hear much more from them in upcoming episodes.
Selman emphasized that the creative team deeply loves the character and wanted to reintroduce him in a thoughtful manner that aligns with the satirical style of 'The Simpsons' while allowing for meaningful evolution. The production team expressed immense excitement regarding what Malhotra brings to the performance, signaling a fresh chapter for Springfield's most famous convenience store proprietor and his family.
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