After nearly a decade without speaking on the show, the beloved Kwik-E-Mart proprietor Apu Nahasapeemapetilon has officially returned to The Simpsons. The fan-favorite character spoke for the first time in nearly eight years during the Fox animated series’ Halloween-themed special, titled “The Revengening.” Actor and voice-over veteran Sunil Malhotra has taken over the role from Hank Azaria, while Janina Gavankar has stepped in to voice Apu’s wife, Manjula.
The return marks a major milestone for the long-running series, which had relegated Apu to background non-speaking appearances following widespread cultural debates regarding the character’s stereotypical portrayal.
How Apu Returned in “The Revengening”
Apu’s dramatic reintroduction took place in “The Revengening,” an episode serving as a spooky lead-up to the annual Treehouse of Horror lineup. The plot follows a mysterious figure wearing a “Daft Monk” costume who is accidentally run over by Springfield residents. The character returns a year later seeking revenge, eventually gathering the townspeople at City Hall to remove his helmet and reveal his true identity.
Unmasking himself to an astonished crowd, Apu delivers a rage-fueled declaration: “I am the man you left for dead. I am the one you pretended never existed!” He details how he wandered through an abandoned Springfield where nobody even noticed him before vowing retaliation.
Before the character can set fire to City Hall, however, the entire ordeal is revealed to be a nightmare. Apu wakes up safely in the Kwik-E-Mart alongside Manjula and Homer Simpson, who invites him to a Halloween party, paving the way for the character’s permanent return.
Addressing Years of Controversy and Absence
Apu’s absence from active storytelling stemmed from intense scrutiny sparked by comedian Hari Kondabolu’s 2017 documentary, The Problem With Apu. The film highlighted issues surrounding a South Asian character being voiced by a white actor and the cultural impact of the caricature. Hank Azaria subsequently stepped down from the role, publicly apologizing for his participation and stating he would never voice the character again.
While producers deliberated how to handle the character, Apu remained visible exclusively in background crowd shots without dialogue. The writers occasionally poked fun at their own hesitation, most notably in the 2018 episode “No Good Read Goes Unpunished.” Later, in 2020, The Simpsons committed to casting culturally appropriate actors for characters of color, leading to new voice casting for characters like Carl Carlson and Dr. Julius Hibbert.
Executive producer Matt Selman explained that the concept to bring Apu back originated from staff writer Nick Dahan and co-executive producer Cesar Mazariegos. Selman noted that the creative team wanted a clever, authentic way to evolve the character and reference the multi-year hiatus.
Sunil Malhotra on Taking Over the Role
New voice actor Sunil Malhotra admitted that receiving the audition call initially caused his stomach to sink. However, curiosity and a desire to see whether the writers’ room had evolved led him to engage in deep discussions with the showrunners before accepting.
“I told casting that I’d only consider an offer if I could meet showrunner Matt Selman and co-executive producer Cesar Mazariegos, both of whom gladly did so,” Malhotra shared. “It was the beginning of a deeply collaborative experience that I hope is equally satisfying for longtime fans of The Simpsons and for other South Asian kids who, like me, stopped watching at some point along the way.”
Malhotra also described the satisfaction of recording Apu’s emotional return. “I’d be lying if I didn’t say that the sweetest part of all was unleashing that righteously rage-fueled ‘I AM APU!’ — on behalf of so many of us — over and over in the studio until we got it just right.”
What Lies Ahead for the Nahasapeemapetilon Family
Alongside Apu’s return, the reintroduction of Manjula — previously voiced by Jan Hooks and Tress MacNeille — signals a fresh start for the family. Executive producer Matt Selman confirmed that both characters and the wider Nahasapeemapetilon family will be seen and heard on The Simpsons much more frequently moving forward.
With a new voice actor at the helm, updated narrative framing, and enthusiastic early reactions from viewers on social media, Apu’s return opens a new chapter for one of Springfield’s most enduring residents.
Frequently Asked Questions About Apu’s Return
Who is the new voice actor for Apu on The Simpsons?
Actor and voice-over veteran Sunil Malhotra is the new voice of Apu Nahasapeemapetilon.
Why did Hank Azaria stop voicing Apu?
Hank Azaria stepped away from the role following discussions and criticisms raised by the 2017 documentary The Problem With Apu regarding the stereotypical portrayal of a South Asian character by a white actor.
Who voices Apu’s wife, Manjula?
Janina Gavankar has taken over the role of Manjula Nahasapeemapetilon, succeeding previous voice actors Jan Hooks and Tress MacNeille.
When did Apu last speak on the show before his return?
Apu had not spoken on The Simpsons for nearly eight years, with his last spoken appearance occurring in the October 2017 episode “The Serfsons.”
In which episode does Apu return?
Apu returns in the Season 38 special episode titled “The Revengening,” which serves as a prelude to the annual Treehouse of Horror programming on Fox.
