# Apu Returns After 9 Years

> Hank Azaria steps down, Sunil Malhotra brings Apu back to The Simpsons after 9 years.
- Title: Apu Returns After 9 Years · Polygon | Shortify
- Summary: Hank Azaria steps down, Sunil Malhotra brings Apu back to The Simpsons after 9 years. The Simpsons' Apu Nahasapeemapetilon returns with new voice actor Sunil…
- Keywords: simpsons, apu, sunil malhotra, hank azaria, kwik-e-mart, the revengening, treehouse of horror, gaming, culture, Returns, Years, Polygon
- Source: Polygon — https://polygon.com/the-simpsons-apu-returns-sunil-malhotra-hank-azaria
- Author: Francesco Cacciatore
- Published: 2026-10-19T08:54:07+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: simpsons, apu, sunil malhotra, hank azaria, kwik-e-mart, the revengening, treehouse of horror, gaming, culture
## Apu Steps Down
In January 2020, Hank Azaria stepped down from voicing Kwik-E-Mart owner Apu Nahasapeemapetilon.
## Controversy Begins
The Apu controversy started in 2017 after Hari Kondabolu's documentary argued the character's portrayal was damaging to people of South Asian heritage.
## Apu's Return Plan
On Oct. 18, 2026, Apu returns in season 38 episode 'The Revengening' with new voice actor Sunil Malhotra.
## Malhotra's Approach
Sunil Malhotra worked with producers to make Apu culturally appropriate and respectful for South Asian heritage.
## Apu's Story
Apu's story over nine years is told in 'The Revengening' with Daft Monk and The Island of Forgotten Garbage.
## Apu's Apology
Marge apologizes for leaving Apu, saying they wanted to do the right thing.

> Apu, we’re so sorry we left you for dead. Believe me, we wanted to do the right thing.
## Apu Wakes Up
Apu wakes up in Kwik-E-Mart next to his wife, Manjula, after the dream sequence ends.
## Key takeaway

The Simpsons' Apu Nahasapeemapetilon returns with new voice actor Sunil Malhotra after nine years of controversy.