Entertainment · October 19, 2026
‘The Simpsons’ Surprise: Apu Is Heard for the First Time in Nearly a Decade, as Sunil Malhotra Takes Over for Hank Azaria (EXCLUSIVE)
The Simpsons has reintroduced the character Apu Nahasapeemapetilon's speaking voice for the first time in nearly a decade. In the October 2026 episode "The Revengening," actor Sunil Malhotra took over the role from Hank Azaria, who stepped down in 2020 following a public debate regarding South Asian representation. The return was unannounced and included the reintroduction of Apu's wife, Manjula, now voiced by Janina Gavankar. Showrunners indicated that both characters will return to regular rotation, aiming for a portrayal that evolves while remaining true to the show's style.
Read the original coverage
- VarietyTrade
‘The Simpsons’ Surprise: Apu Is Heard for the First Time in Nearly a Decade, as Sunil Malhotra Takes Over for Hank Azaria (EXCLUSIVE)
Read at Variety ↗ - DeadlineTrade
The New Apu Makes His Debut Tonight On ‘The Simpsons’
Read at Deadline ↗ - Rolling StoneMainstream
'The Simpsons' Debuts New Voice for Apu After Nine Years of Silence
Read at Rolling Stone ↗ Apu is Back! Veteran Voice Actor Sunil Malhotra Revives ‘The Simpsons’ Character After Nearly 10 Years
Read at The Hollywood Reporter ↗
Reported by multiple outlets
- Apu Nahasapeemapetilon spoke in the October 18, 2026, episode 'The Revengening' for the first time in nearly a decade.
- Sunil Malhotra is the new voice actor for Apu.
- Hank Azaria previously voiced the character for approximately 30 years.
- The character had been seen but not heard on the show since late 2017.
Reported by only some outlets
- Janina Gavankar is the new voice of Apu’s wife, Manjula.
- Apu's last speaking appearance prior to this was the October 2017 episode 'The Serfsons'.
- Sunil Malhotra met with showrunner Matt Selman and producer Cesar Mazariegos before accepting the role.
- Hank Azaria officially announced he would stop voicing the character in 2020.
Confirmed
- Sunil Malhotra is the new voice of Apu.
- Apu spoke for the first time in nearly a decade in the episode 'The Revengening'.
- Hank Azaria no longer voices the character.
Reported
- Janina Gavankar is the new voice for Apu's wife Manjula. (Rolling Stone)
- The character's return was designed to evolve him and acknowledge past mistakes. (Variety)
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