Simpsons recasts Apu with South Asian actor Sunil Malhotra
Actor Sunil Malhotra now voices the Kwik-E-Mart owner after Hank Azaria stepped away, ending an eight-year absence of the character's dialogue.
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What happened
The Simpsons has given the character Apu a new voice, with actor Sunil Malhotra replacing Hank Azaria. The character had not spoken on the show for eight years after backlash over a white actor voicing the Indian Kwik-E-Mart owner. Apu returned in a Halloween-themed episode, and the show surprised viewers with his comeback.
Why it matters
The change follows years of criticism of Azaria voicing the character. Malhotra said the return is truly Apu's homecoming.
Timeline
- Oct 19, 12:58 AM ET: Sunil Malhotra was announced as the new voice of Apu, replacing Hank Azaria, after eight years without the character speaking.
- Oct 20, 6:54 AM ET: The Simpsons brought Apu back in a Halloween-themed episode on Sunday, surprising viewers.
Coverage
- 'The Simpsons' resurrects Apu after nearly a decade of silence (AP)
- After years of backlash, Apu returns to 'The Simpsons' with a South Asian voice (AP)
- Apu speaks on “The Simpsons” for first time in 8 years with the debut of Hank Azaria’s replacement (Yahoo News)
- Apu Gets New Voice: List of ‘Simpsons’ Characters Recast Following Backlash (Newsweek)
- ‘A reclamation’: The Simpsons gives Apu a new voice as actor Sunil Malhotra replaces Hank Azaria (The Guardian)
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