‘The Simpsons’ Brings Back Apu; Sunil Malhotra Is The New Voice

India-West News Desk

LOS ANGELES, CA-Sunil Malhotra has taken over as the voice of Apu Nahasapeemapetilon on ‘The Simpsons’, returning the character to speaking roles after an eight-year absence.

‘Deadline’ reported Malhotra initially had reservations when his agent approached him about auditioning, questioning whether the writers would address past criticism regarding Apu’s portrayal of South Asians.

Before considering an offer, Malhotra met with showrunner Matt Selman and co-executive producer Cesar Mazariegos to ensure the team was approaching the character respectfully, Deadline said. He later described the meetings and recording process as deeply collaborative.

Apu made his return in the October 18 episode, “The Revengening,” appearing as a central mystery figure in a storyline inspired by the Scream films. The episode airs ahead of the show’s annual “Treehouse of Horror” special next week.

Hank Azaria voiced Apu for nearly 30 years before stepping away from the role following a 2017 documentary that criticized the character’s representation of South Asians. While Apu remained visible in background scenes in recent years, he had not spoken on air since.

Malhotra’s previous voice credits include video games such as World of Warcraft, League of Legends, Halo: Reach, Fallout 4, and Mortal Kombat 1. His television credits include guest roles on ER, Grey’s Anatomy, Cold Case, House, NCIS: New Orleans, and Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi.

Malhotra, 51, was raised in Chicago and got his bachelor’s degree in theater from Indiana University. He began his screen career in 2001, playing Hemant in the film ‘American Desi.’ In 2003, he starred as Harishkumar Satishkumar Pate, the geeky college student in the film ‘Dude, Where’s the Party?’ working alongside Kal Penn.