See their tweets here:
RIP. My friend and colleague Tom Alter. Bless you! pic.twitter.com/7JSWK0Qbww
— Rishi Kapoor (@chintskap) September 30, 2017
An all rounder is what he was, with a heart of gold. Back in the day, I even studied acting under him. You will be missed dearly #TomAlter pic.twitter.com/VagrwVLDr4
— Anil Kapoor (@AnilKapoor) September 30, 2017
Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, who helmed films like Aashiqui, Junoon and Gumrah, featuring Mr Alter in pivotal role, tweeted, "Goodbye to you my trusted friend!! Actor Tom Alter, a Padma Shri awardee, dies of cancer at 67."
Goodbye to you my trusted friend!! Actor Tom Alter, a Padma Shri awardee, dies of cancer at 67https://t.co/DkJkHZImO8
— Mahesh Bhatt (@MaheshNBhatt) September 30, 2017
Riteish Deshmukh, who had the privilege of working with Tom Alter in 2015 movie Bangistan, said he "will always remember him for his humility and kindness."
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
Arjun Kapoor recounted his 'fondest childhood memories' of seeing Mr Alter on TV show Zabaan Sambhalke.
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
Huma Qureshi, Nimrat Kaur and singer Mohit Chauhan were also among the celebrities who posted their tributes to Tom Alter on social media.
So sad to hear about Tom Alter sir.. had the honour of knowing him while doing a play in Delhi .. such a lovely human being. Rest in Peace.
— Huma Qureshi (@humasqureshi) September 30, 2017
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
We mourn the untimely death of a legend who was more than just an actor. #TomAlter's presence in the world will truly be missed. Rest in peace..
— John Abraham (@TheJohnAbraham) September 30, 2017
#TomAlter- A superb actor, creative genius, die hard sportsman and a beautiful heart and mind moved on to the next life. RIP my friend
— Jaaved Jaaferi (@jaavedjaaferi) September 30, 2017
Mr. Alters wife, Carol Alter was my English teacher for years. I had the privilege of knowing this beautiful couple. #TomAlter (1/2)
— Athiya Shetty (@theathiyashetty) September 30, 2017
Fortunate enough to have interacted and heard Mr. Alter's journey. Always underlying being a good human being, reflects in your work (2/2)
— Athiya Shetty (@theathiyashetty) September 30, 2017
Saddened by d passing away of Tom Alter saab. A glorious chapter has come 2 an end. His death marks d end of an era of grace n dignity #RIP
— Mohit Chauhan (@_MohitChauhan) September 30, 2017
A statement released on behalf of Tom Alter's family said, "It is with sadness we announce the death of Tom Alter, actor, writer, director, Padma Shri, and our dear husband and father," reported news agency IANS.
Tom Alter was of American descent and a native of Mussoorie, where he grew up. He studied at Woodstock School in Mussoorie and later pursued a course in acting at Film and Television Institute of India in Pune.
Tom Alter has featured in over 300 films. He is best known for his work in Satyajit Ray's Shatranj Ke Khiladi and Kranti. He has also worked in successful films like Aashiqui, Junoon, Parinda, Ram Teri Ganga Maili and Gandhi.
Tom Alter also featured in Hollywood film One Night with the King with Peter O'Toole.
Tom Alter also featured in TV shows like Zabaan Sambhalke, Bharat Ek Khoj, Betaal Pachisi, Captain Vyom and Shaktimaan.
Mr Alter was last seen in Sargoshiyan, co-starring Alok Nath and Farida Jalal. He also appeared on the TV show Rishton Ka Chakravyuh.
In 2008, Tom Alter was awarded Padma Shri by the government.
Tom Alter authored several books and also wrote columns on cricket for several publications.
Mr Alter married Carol Evans in 1977 and is survived by his wife, son Jamie and daughter Afshaan.
(With IANS inputs)