Tom Alter

Thomas Beach Alter, popularly known as Tom Alter, was an Indian actor of American descent who made a lasting contribution to Indian cinema, television, and theatre. Born on June 22, 1950, in Mussoorie, he grew up in northern India and developed a strong interest in Indian films and languages. He studied at Woodstock School before pursuing professional acting training at the Film and Television Institute of India in Pune.
Tom Alter began his film career in the 1970s and became known for his distinctive screen presence, fluent Hindi, and command of Urdu. His performances in films such as Shatranj Ke Khilari, Kranti, Karma, Parinda, Aashiqui, and Sardar established him as a familiar face in Indian cinema. He also appeared in the popular television series Zabaan Sambhalke, along with shows such as Junoon and Shaktimaan.
Beyond acting, Alter worked as a theatre artist, writer, director, and sports journalist. His interest in cricket led him to interview prominent sporting personalities, while his writing included fiction and non-fiction books. In recognition of his contribution to the arts, the Government of India awarded him the Padma Shri in 2008. He died in Mumbai on September 29, 2017, at the age of 67, leaving behind a respected legacy across film, television, and theatre.