OR

wikipedia.org
22 Jun, 1950
29 Sep, 2017
Sequel of Cancer
Indian
Actor
67
Tom Alter was an acclaimed Indian film and theater actor, known for his versatile performances and a remarkable career spanning over four decades. Born on June 22, 1950, in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, India, he carved a niche for himself in the Indian entertainment industry.
Alter belonged to a family of American missionaries who settled in India. His father, Robert Alter, was the principal of Woodstock School in Mussoorie. Despite being raised in a different cultural environment, Alter developed a deep appreciation for India and actively embraced its diverse heritage.
In his early years, Alter pursued his education at the Woodstock School and later studied at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune, Maharashtra. He graduated with a gold medal in acting.
Alter made his acting debut in 1976 with the film “Charas.” Although he started his career in Hindi cinema, he ventured into various regional films as well, including Bengali, Telugu, and Assamese.
Tom Alter’s refined performances in movies like “Shatranj Ke Khilari,” “Gandhi,” and “Parinda” earned him critical acclaim. He was highly regarded for his ability to adapt to different roles and deliver captivating performances.
Apart from his film career, Alter made notable contributions to theater with memorable performances in plays like “The Rhetoric of Love” and “Arms and the Man.”
In addition to his acting career, Alter was an accomplished sportsman and had a keen interest in cricket. He even played for the Indian cricket team in a few exhibition matches. His love for the sport led him to become a cricket commentator and panelist on various sports shows.
Tom Alter’s dedication and passion for acting were recognized through numerous awards and accolades. He received the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honors, in 2008, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of arts and culture.
On September 29, 2017, Tom Alter passed away after a battle with skin cancer. His demise was deeply mourned across the country, and he was remembered as a talented actor and a true legend of Indian cinema.
Tom Alter’s remarkable journey in the entertainment industry left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. As an actor, he showcased exceptional talent, versatility, and dedication to his craft. Moreover, his love for India and Indian culture shone through in his performances. Tom Alter will always be remembered as a respected figure in the Indian entertainment industry, and his legacy continues to inspire aspiring actors and artists today.
Tom Alter
Tom Alter
Male
Sequel of Cancer
Mussoorie, Uttar Pradesh (now Uttarakhand), India
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Campaigner: Enthusiastic, Creative and sociable free spirits who can always find a reason to smile. He entertained people with his acting skills.
Alter was not only an actor but also a skilled writer. He authored several books, including the well-received titles "Rerun at Rialto" and "The Best in the World.
Tom Alter had a deep passion for cricket. He played cricket at the university level and even published a book titled "The Longest Race: A Lifelong Runner
He made his film debut with the movie "Charas" in 1976 and went on to appear in over 300 films and numerous TV series throughout his career
He was born to American missionary parents in India and relinquished his US citizenship to become an Indian citizen.
Alter was fluent in Hindi and Urdu, developing a deep appreciation for Urdu poetry.
Padma Sri (2008) Government of India
Gyan Ganga life Time Achievement Award (2014)