Malhotra's debut as Apu occurred in the recent Season 38 episode, "Treehouse of Horror Presents: The Revengening," which aired last Sunday. An accomplished actor with a diverse portfolio spanning live-action shows like Grey's Anatomy and extensive voice work in animated series such as The Legend of Korra and numerous video games, Malhotra brings a fresh perspective to the role. The Simpsons producer Matt Selman highlighted the show's intention for the character's return, telling Variety, "We love this character, and wanted to bring him back in a smart, Simpsons-y way that allowed him to evolve." Selman also expressed enthusiasm for Malhotra's early contributions and anticipation for Apu's future storylines.

The decision to recast Apu follows years of controversy surrounding the character, particularly concerning his portrayal as a South Asian stereotype and the casting of a white actor, Hank Azaria, in the role. Azaria, a legendary Simpsons voice actor who lends his voice to numerous other iconic characters like Moe Szyslak and Chief Wiggum, stepped away from voicing Apu in 2020. The debate gained significant traction with Hari Kondabolu's 2017 documentary, The Problem With Apu, which explored the character's impact on South Asian representation in media, featuring interviews with prominent South Asian entertainers. Apu's last speaking appearance before this hiatus was in the Season 29 episode, "The Serfsons," in October 2017. The show itself attempted to address the outcry in the Season 29 episode "No Good Read Goes Unpunished," with Lisa Simpson commenting on how "Something that started decades ago and was applauded and inoffensive is now politically incorrect."

Azaria's withdrawal from the role was a thoughtful decision, driven by an increased awareness of the character's problematic aspects. He officially confirmed his departure in February 2020, articulating his perspective in an interview. "Once I realized that was the way this character was thought of, I just didn’t want to participate in it anymore," Azaria stated. He further reflected on the broader implications of the controversy, viewing it as a crucial learning moment: "What happened with this character is a window into an important issue. It’s a good way to start the conversation." Azaria emphasized his commitment to accountability and making amends.

Apu's return with Sunil Malhotra at the mic signifies a pivotal moment for The Simpsons, demonstrating the show's willingness to engage with its past and adapt its characters to contemporary sensibilities. It represents not just a casting change, but a broader statement on how long-running cultural touchstones can evolve in response to societal discourse.