Tom Alter
Biography
Tom Alter was an acclaimed Indian actor, writer, and theater artist of American descent. Known for his impeccable command over Hindi and Urdu, he made significant contributions to Indian cinema, television, and stage. With a career spanning over four decades, Alter was admired for his versatility and his deep love for Indian culture.
Early Life and Background
Tom Alter was born on June 22, 1950, in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, India, into an American Christian missionary family. His grandparents had moved to India from Ohio, USA, in the early 20th century. Growing up in Mussoorie, Alter was deeply influenced by Indian culture and languages, which later became instrumental in his acting career.
Alter pursued his early education at Woodstock School in Mussoorie before briefly attending Yale University in the United States. However, his passion for Indian cinema drew him back, leading him to enroll at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune, where he trained in acting under the legendary Roshan Taneja.
Career in Bollywood and Television
Tom Alter made his Bollywood debut in 1976 with "Charas", directed by Ramanand Sagar. His Western appearance and fluent Hindi often led to him being cast as a British officer, a foreign diplomat, or a historical figure in Indian period films. Some of his most notable roles include:
- Shatranj Ke Khilari (1977) – Directed by Satyajit Ray, this film saw Alter in a remarkable role that showcased his acting prowess.
- Kranti (1981) – Played a British officer in this patriotic film starring Dilip Kumar and Manoj Kumar.
- Gandhi (1982) – A part of the iconic biopic directed by Richard Attenborough.
- Parinda (1989) – A critically acclaimed crime thriller featuring Nana Patekar, Jackie Shroff, and Anil Kapoor.
- Veer-Zaara (2004) – Played a supporting role in this romantic drama starring Shah Rukh Khan and Preity Zinta.
Apart from Bollywood, Alter had a prolific career in television. He became a household name with serials like:
- Zabaan Sambhalke (1993) – A comedy show where he played an English teacher in India.
- Captain Vyom (1998) – A sci-fi series where he played a futuristic character.
- Shaktimaan (1997–2005) – Played the iconic villain, Mahaguru.
Theater and Literature
Tom Alter was an accomplished theater actor and remained active in stage performances throughout his life. He was deeply passionate about Urdu poetry and literature, often performing solo plays based on the works of Mirza Ghalib and Saadat Hasan Manto. His stage plays, such as "Ghalib", where he portrayed the legendary poet Mirza Ghalib, earned him widespread acclaim.
Additionally, Alter was an author and journalist. He wrote books, short stories, and articles for various publications. His love for cricket also led him to work as a sports journalist, and he even interviewed cricketing legends like Sachin Tendulkar.
Awards and Recognition
For his immense contribution to Indian arts and culture, Tom Alter was honored with the Padma Shri in 2008, one of India’s highest civilian awards. His legacy as an artist who bridged cultures and languages remains unparalleled.
Personal Life and Death
Tom Alter was married to Carol Evans, and the couple had two children, Jamie and Afshaan. Despite being of American origin, he considered India his home and dedicated his life to its art and cinema.
In September 2017, he was diagnosed with stage IV skin cancer. After battling the disease for a few months, he passed away on September 29, 2017, at the age of 67.
