Apu Is Back: ‘The Simpsons’ Brings the Kwik-E-Mart Owner Home With a Brand-New Voice

For more than 3 decades, Apu Nahasapeemapetilon has been one of the most recognizable fixtures in Springfield. Introduced in 1990, he was the first South Asian character to appear regularly on mainstream American television, and his Kwik-E-Mart became as iconic as Moe’s Tavern.

His story took a complicated turn in recent years. Apu was voiced by Hank Azaria, a white actor who used an exaggerated Indian accent, and criticism of the character’s portrayal grew after Hari Kondabolu’s 2017 documentary ‘The Problem with Apu’.

The show addressed the controversy in a 2018 episode, in which Lisa Simpson remarks that something applauded decades ago is now considered politically incorrect. Azaria later said he was willing to step aside, and in 2020 he announced he would no longer voice the character.

That same year, the series announced that white actors would no longer voice non-white characters. Apu has not spoken in the show since 2017, leaving fans wondering whether the beloved shopkeeper would ever truly return.

Apu Nahasapeemapetilon has officially returned to The Simpsons Hank Azaria no longer voices him and has been replaced by fellow voice actor Sunil Malhotra (via @Variety) https://t.co/IMaRaYiVpU

— CoveredGeekly (@CoveredGeekly) October 19, 2026

Now, he has. On Sunday, October 18, Apu spoke for the first time in nearly 9 years in the season 38 Halloween episode ‘Treehouse of Horrors Presents: The Revengening’, in a surprise that Variety exclusively reported. CoveredGeekly’s post sharing the news quickly spread across social media.

The character is now voiced by Sunil Malhotra, an Indian-American actor and voice-over veteran whose credits include Prince Wu in ‘The Legend of Korra’, Shaun Gilmore in ‘The Legend of Vox Machina’, ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and ‘Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi’. Janina Gavankar also joined the cast as Apu’s wife, Manjula.

According to Variety, the episode wasn’t screened for critics, and the production went to unusual lengths to keep Apu’s return and new voice under wraps. Malhotra said he took time to consider what the job would mean and spoke with producers to make sure the character felt more culturally appropriate.

Apu’s new voice has been revealed. It is the first time the character has spoke in almost a decade. https://t.co/HjzHVjaM0S

— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) October 19, 2026

He said the sweetest part was delivering Apu’s long-awaited declaration of “I AM APU!” in the recording booth, which he described as a righteously rage-fueled moment on behalf of many people. He added that he can’t wait for fans to see more of Apu.

This isn’t a one-off cameo. Executive producer Matt Selman told Variety that the show will keep Apu and his family around from now on, noting that the team loves the character and wanted 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,” Selman said, according to Variety. Apu and Manjula will be both seen and heard more often going forward.

The recasting follows years of debate, and reaction has centered on what it means for representation. Many fans see the casting of a South Asian actor as a long-overdue correction, while others are simply happy to hear Apu’s voice again after such a long absence.

It also fits a broader pattern. The show has since moved to give other non-white characters new performers, and Apu now joins that list. Hank Azaria remains a key member of the ‘Simpsons’ ensemble, continuing to voice Moe Szyslak and Chief Wiggum. He previously explained that he first intended to look into the criticism and then return to the voice, but ultimately decided to step away.

Season 38 continues with Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, and Yeardley Smith still leading the Simpson family. With Apu back behind the counter, Springfield feels a little more complete.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!