Tom has an Alter ego!

Tom Alter is in the midst of an intense scene. The actor in him overwhelms his real personality as he concentrates on playing Maulana Azad in a production presented by Indiatimes & Pierrot's Troupe in association with International Times Card.''A major attraction of the role is that the language is Urdu, which I have grown up learning. Besides, the production is about a man who has always fascinated me,'' says Alter.Incidentally, this actor who has left his mark on cinema, TV and theatre reveals that sports is his first love: ''I couldn't take up sports as a career.But I love tennis, badminton, hockey and cricket.'' Delhi in winter reminds Alter of his school days, when he came down from Mussorie to watch Test matches. ''I had a girlfriend in Daryaganj and a dear friend in East Patel Nagar. I cycled around Old Delhi in those days,'' recalls Alter.As the memories of his youth swim before his eyes, Alter touches upon his days of romance. ''I actually found love in school, where I met Carol. We were married in 1978 and, today, she is the person behind what I am,'' says Alter.Having essayed a diversity of roles, Alter has had a near-fulfilling experience. As of now, projects in the pipeline — Dhundh — The Fog, Zindadil, Hawaein, and The Art Of Dying— are the objects of his affection. The road ahead holds interesting possibilities — but the journey itself has been paradoxical. ''When I joined the Film Institute in Pune in 1978, it was with the intention of becoming an actor rather than joining films.'' Tom Alter's life has come full circle. For, he has transcended various mediums to become a class act.sanghitasingh@indiatimes.com