The Simpsons: Apu returns with new voice actor Sunil Malhotra — Apu has spoken again on The Simpsons, this time with Sunil Malhotra voicing the long-running character. The change was heard in an episode broadcast in the United States on Sunday 18 October. Janina Gavankar also debuted as the voice of Apu’s wife, Manjula.
For Australian viewers, the distinction is between the casting news and the episode’s local availability. The Simpsons is listed on Disney+ Australia, but the service page checked on 20 October did not list the new US episode. An Australian streaming date has not been confirmed, so viewers should not assume it is already available here.
Who is the new voice of Apu?
Malhotra is an Indian-born actor who grew up near Chicago. His animation credits include The Legend of Vox Machina, The Legend of Korra and Monster High. He has also appeared in live-action series including Grey’s Anatomy, House and The West Wing.
His casting gives Apu a speaking role after years in which the character appeared without dialogue. According to TVLine, which confirmed the casting after Variety first reported it, Hank Azaria’s last performance as Apu aired in 2017. Azaria announced in 2020 that he would no longer voice the character.
Why was Apu recast?
The decision followed sustained criticism of a white actor portraying an Indian character whose accent and depiction many South Asian viewers regarded as stereotyped. Comedian Hari Kondabolu explored that criticism in the documentary The Problem With Apu. Azaria subsequently said he would step away from the role. The new casting does not erase that history; it changes who performs the character as the series brings him back into dialogue.
Malhotra is not the only new voice in Apu’s family. Gavankar, whose television work includes The Morning Show, voices Manjula in the same US episode. Earlier performers of Manjula included Jan Hooks and Tress MacNeille.
The casting announcement tells viewers who they will hear, but it does not establish how frequently Apu or Manjula will feature in future episodes. Nor does a US broadcast date establish a matching Australian streaming date. We will update the viewing information when Disney+ Australia lists the episode.
For more related coverage, explore TV Central’s Disney+ stories. Australian viewers can check the official Disney+ Australia page for The Simpsons for the current episode list.
