Indians React to Apu Controversy [Street Interview] | ASIAN BOSS

For the longest time in American entertainment, The Simpson’s Apu was the only major Indian figure on television. Depicted primarily as a convenience store clerk, Apu has long been the center of criticism by the Indian-American community for his shallow representations of Indians and Indian culture. And after 30 years on air, the voice actor of Apu, Hank Azaria, recently announced that he will no longer be voicing the character going forward. But while the Indian-American stance is well circulated, are you curious as to how people in India feel about the Apu character? We hit the streets of Mumbai to find out.

The opinions expressed in this video are those of individual interviewees alone and do not reflect the views of ASIAN BOSS or the general Indian population.

Special thanks to our team in Mumbai, India

Ankit (reporter)

Karan (camera)

Marie (host)

Our vision is to build a lasting grassroots movement of young people from every country to report on real social and cultural issues. We believe having meaningful discussions with people with different opinions is extremely important.

Reach out to our founders, Stephen and Kei, directly if you have any questions, feedback or suggestions:

[TheKaiTetley]

The point of the Simpsons is to be offensive. It is meant to be politically incorrect. All characters are stereotypes.

[ericmcgowan]

I love the girl that said "American humor is generally offensive anyway" 😆

[zachcouch]

American-Indians: Omg isn't this offensive?
Indians: No it is funny.

[slashbash]

Here's my advice to Indians living in America; if someone calls you Apu, respond with, "Yes, Mr. Homer. Would you like your usual tub of ice cream topped with mini-pies?"

[damiansaucedo]

I hate how they never mentioned, he's also a firefighter and was in a successful band. Apu was amazing.

[nandanab]

This interview is an example of how diverse India is...

[somaiat]

Most of the characters in the Simpson are a stereotype of something. That's why it's funny.

[Lol-hgo]

As an Indian I love everything about Apu. He's the sole person on the Simpsons who lives the American dream. An immigrant having a business and a family, what more can you ask for?
But it is sad that they have decided to remove him from the show.

[sevenproxies]

Apu is shown as "extremly backwards"? 🤔

He's one of the few characters in the show that isn't a complete idiot.

[mckezik]

Should have done this interview with Indians who live in USA - Simpsons isn’t that popular in India

[JennRighter]

I watched the Simpsons basically my entire life. My interpretation of Apu has always been an intelligent, successful man that patiently endures the stream of idiots he encounters. The episode where Lisa goes vegetarian is one of my favorites and Apu is the only "thinking" person she encounters and he mentors her. His character is one of few on the show that is never an imbecile or idiot.

[straivalist]

Im indian myself and I find apu hilarious, although ofc people who perceive Indians by just the character is wrong.

[ssa]

What's wrong with Indians having their own accent? Y'all go head over heels when a French guy or an Italian guy speaks. Every region like UK, Australia, Ireland have their own accents which are considered cool and people in some other regions don't even prefer to speak in English because they feel their own language is more important.We are Indians and we love the way we speak. We don't want anyone saying otherwise.🇮🇳💓

[i]

My grandma would think it's offensive because Homer looks yellow.

[bgates]

In spite of how the interviewer often framed the question in a negatively biased manner, many of the Indians wern't offended anyhow.

[imrightandyourewrong]

"I do not sound like Apu in any manner"
Says that exactly like Apu 😅

[hooman]

Title should be *"We created Apu Controversy in India"*

[Germania]

Indian-Americans: *APU IS OFFENSIVE.*
Indians: He's fine, I guess.

[johnnyeatworld]

If Indian Americans find it offensive, wouldn't it make sense to interview Indian Americans vs people in India who've not heard of the cartoon?

[sargunan]

Asian Boss should start looking at Indian movies that make fun of people from other states in their own country...That would be a good one to get opinions on...