End of an Era: Film Fraternity Mourns Actor Tom Alter’s Demise

Veteran theatre, television and film actor Tom Alter passed away aged 67. The renowned actor and Padma Shri awardee, who had been battling stage four skin cancer.

Alter was diagnosed with skin cancer in 2016 and was treated for the same, but earlier this month he suffered a relapse and was admitted in Saifee hospital.

Alter last rites were performed on Saturday afternoon at Worli crematorium.

Cremation was done today. There is no set pattern for our family (referring to cremation or burial). Dad wanted to be cremated.

Jamie, Tom Alter’s Son

He further said that the memorial service will be held either on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Mourning Alter's demise, President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences to the actor's family.

PM expressed grief on the demise of Shri Tom Alter and recalled his contribution to the film world and theatre. He extended condolences to the family & admirers of Shri Tom Alter.

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 30, 2017

Sad to hear of demise of veteran actor Tom Alter. He will be remembered by film lovers. Condolences to his family #PresidentKovind

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) September 30, 2017

Alter made his film acting debut in 1976 with Ramanand Sagar's directorial venture "Charas", which starred Dharmendra and Hema Malini in lead roles. His next and one of his most celebrated films was Satyajit Ray's "Shatranj Ke Khilari", based on Munshi Premchand's short story of the same name.

It was followed by Shyam Benegal's "Junoon" (1979), Manoj Kumar's "Kranti" (1981) and Raj Kapoor's "Ram Teri Ganga Maili" (1985).

His acting credits also include "Aashiqui", "Parinda", "Sardar Patel" and "Gandhi".

On television, Alter worked in popular shows like "Junoon", "Zabaan Sambhalke", "Bharat EK Khoj", "Shaktimaan", "Captain Vyom" and "Yahaan Ke Hum Sikandar". He was last seen on TV in ongoing serial "Rishton Ka Chakravyuh".

Alter was closely involved in theatre throughout his career. He co-founded Motley Productions with Naseeruddin Shah and Gilani in 1979.

Alter's prominent stage works include the two-and-a- half-hour-long solo play in Urdu, "Maulana", "Babur ke Aulaad", "Lal Qile ka Aakhri Mushaira", "Ghalib ke Khat", "Teesveen Shatabdi", "Copenhagen", "In Ghalib In Delhi" and the theatrical adaptation of William Dalrymple's "City of Djinns".

A cricket enthusiast, Alter was also a sports journalist and was the first person to interview Sachin Tendulkar for TV, before his debut as a cricketer for India.

Alter is survived by his wife Carol, son Jamie, and daughter Afshaan.

Video Editor: Vivek Gupta