Veteran actor Tom Alter is suffering from skin cancer

Veteran film, television and theatre actor Tom Alter is battling cancer. The renowned actor's family confirmed the news on Monday, a week after he was admitted to Mumbai's Saifee Hospital.

The 67 year old actor is in the fourth stage of skin cancer and is undergoing treatment at the hospital where he was admitted for body pain. Tom Alter's son and cricket journalist Jamie told IANS, “It is what is called a squamous cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer). It is a relapse of the same thing which had happened last year and unfortunately, for various reasons, it was not detected at that time and has come back. Last year, Tom Alter had to get his thumb amputated due to the condition. Now, he is in stage four," Jamie said. 

The family asked for privacy in tough times as Jamie said, “He is fighting it well. He is showing the will to battle it out. He is under the best care possible. Various doctors across the country are in consultation. As a family, we are very happy with the treatment he is getting. His bodily functions are absolutely fine. The doctors are very happy with that. The past one week has gone in getting him in a state of physical strength, whereby the doctor is able to start the next round of medication.”

Awarded with Padma Shri in 2008, Tom Alter is a popular Indian actor of American descent.  He made his big screen debut in 1976 with a small role in Dharmendra-starrer Charas. He is best known for TV shows like Zabaan Sambhal Ke, Byomkesh Bakshi and Shaktimaan. He even played the role of Mirza Ghalib in a popular play called 'Ghalib in Delhi'

The multi-talented actor has also written books including 'The Longest Race'.

(With Inputs Agency)