Voice ‘over’

With the makers of The Simpsons deciding that white actors will not voice non-white characters anymore, the Indian origin character Apu Nahasapeemapetilon will no longer be voiced by actor Hank Azaria.

While Azaria had been voicing Apu since he first featured in 1990, other changes will include the African-American Dr. Julius M. Hibbert, who is voiced by white actor Harry Shearer.

In past few years, many people have been pointing out the stereotype characteristics of Apu. Among them is comedian Hari Kondabolu, who released a documentary, The Problem With Apu. It critiqued the character as a South Asian stereotype. The announcement by The Simpsons makers has come after The Cleveland Show actor Mike Henry revealed he would no longer voice the titular character on the show. —IANS