Tom Alter dies of cancer, Prez, PM condole death

New Delhi, Sept 30: Veteran actor and Padma Shri awardee Tom Alter, considered the favourite choice in Bollywood for foreign characters, died on Friday night after a battle with cancer, his family said. He was 67. '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,'a statement released by his family said. Tom Alter was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer, earlier this month and was admitted in hospital. An Indian actor of American descent, Tom Alter was known for his work in films like “Gandhi”, “Aashiqui” “Parinda” among many others. During his career, he acted in over 300 films and several TV shows. Born in Mussoorie in Uttarakhand, Alter was conferred with Padma Shri for his contribution to arts and cinema in India. President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the death of the actor. 'Sad to hear of demise of veteran actor Tom Alter. He will be remembered by film lovers. Condolences to his family,' President Kovind said in a message. The Prime Minister expressed grief on the demise of Tom Alter and recalled his contribution to the film world and theatre. Mr Modi also extended condolences to the family and admirers of Alter.  UNI