Veteran actor Tom Alter has died after battling with stage four skin cancer. He The 67-year-old actor died on Friday evening.
Born in Mussoorie in Uttarakhand, Alter was conferred with Padma Shri for his contribution to arts and cinema in India.
A statement issued on behalf his family said, “It is with sadness we announce the death of Tom Alter, actor, writer, director, Padma Shri, and our dear husband and father. Tom passed away Friday night at home with his family and close family members in attendance. We ask for their privacy to be respected at this time.”
The veteran was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, which is a type of skin cancer, earlier this month and was admitted in hospital.
Tom Alter’s last rites will be performed on Wednesday as per Christian practices.
“It will be done mostly on Wednesday. It will be a church funeral as per Christian practices,” his son Jamie told PTI.
Mourning Alter’s demise, President Ram Nath Kovind offered condolences to the actor’s family.
“Sad to hear of demise of veteran actor Tom Alter. He will be remembered by film lovers. Condolences to his family #PresidentKovind,” he posted on Twitter.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief and recalled Alter’s contribution to film and theatre.
“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 and admirers of Shri Tom Alter,” the official handle of PMO posted.
An Indian actor of American descent, Alter was known for his work in films like “Gandhi”, “Aashiqui” “Parinda” among many others.
Alter acted in over 300 films and several TV shows.
People have begun paying tributes to the the actor.
Waking up to some tragic news about the passing away of Mr. Tom Alter. A one of a kind, grace personified, thorough gentleman. #RIPTomAlter
— Nimrat Kaur (@NimratOfficial) September 30, 2017
Tom Alter was a superb actor, and a gentle, good, human being. He loved our land deeply and knew it as well as any Indian-origin Indian.
— Ramachandra Guha (@Ram_Guha) September 30, 2017
The world is a good man short this morning. Fine actor, pure sports lover and kind human being. You enriched our world #TomAlter
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) September 30, 2017
RIP Tom Alter…have the fondest childhood memories of seeing him on zabaan sambhal ke… https://t.co/Cvb1zq2OuP
— Arjun Kapoor (@arjunk26) September 30, 2017
Waking up to the tragic news about the passing away of Tom Alter. His contribution to the Hindi entertainment is legendary #RIPTomAlter ❤️ pic.twitter.com/sCoUMS04Di
— Harjinder S Kukreja (@SinghLions) September 30, 2017
I had the privilege of working with him in Bangistan. Will always remember him for his humility and kindness. #RIP #TomAlter https://t.co/xa9FLWcq7h
— Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) September 30, 2017
