Noted actor Tom Alter has resigned from his post as head of the acting department

Noted actor Tom Alter has resigned from his post as head of the acting department in the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII).

Tom emailed his resignation, citing preoccupation with other commitments that prevented him from devoting time to the FTII assignment, FTII director Bhupendra Kainthola told PTI today.

He, however, said that the resignation of the eminent actor had not been accepted by the FTII management so far.

"I am trying to persuade him to withdraw his resignation," Kainthola added.

According to sources in the premiere institute which has witnessed unrest on the campus on various issues during the last one year, a strained relationship with the students also contributed to Alter's decision to resign.

This Indian Express report reveals that following a heated exchange between students, Alter decided to resign. The students claim that he was not a good administrator, even though they have immense respect for him as an actor.

Alter reportedly approached the students with three conditions and refused to teach or interact with them unless they agreed to all three. a) There had to be 100 % attendance in the class, b) all students had to attend his classes with "joy and excitement" and c) students were not allowed to interfere with the functioning of the department.

Alter joined the institute as HOD of the Acting Department in November 2014.

(With Inputs from PTI)