Times Of India described Alan Rickman as 'sensual' 'Potter villain' and Twitter called them out on it

As the news of British actor Alan Rickman’s demise came in, there was a flurry of emotion which was felt all across, from the people he worked with to fans. Social media was full of tributes to the star as his best roles were fondly remembered.

Rickman is more famously known as Professor Severus Snape for his role in the eight Harry Potter films.

Initially a notorious character, Snape turned out to be one of the most intriguing protagonists in the series, when after seven books it was revealed that he was not a villain after all, but a double agent for the good guys.

Considered one of pop culture’s mot unexpected plot-twists, Snape has often been touted as a hero by Potter fans.

However, as a certain Twitter user pointed out, Indian publication The Times of India seem to be unaware of this development. In their obituary for the actor, a photograph uploaded by @saurjyesh, he was described him as ‘Potter villain’ in the headline. To add to that, the photo shared also describes Rickman as ‘sensual screen villain’ in the Harry Potter saga and Die Hard.

Somebody in TOI did not read or see the full series #villain #AlanRickman pic.twitter.com/STzfJyuexT

— saurjyesh (@saurjyesh) January 15, 2016

While we can’t comment on how ‘sensual’ people found Hans Gruber in Die Hard, we can definitely say that Snape was not sensual in the least. Apart from the issue with limiting him to ‘Potter villain’, the fact that an actor of his calibre was described as ‘sensual’ does a disservice to him.

As expected, once the image was out on Twitter, fans pointed out the error and called out the publication.

High time @timesofindia stops trying to print news. Or maybe should employ a better editorial team. #AlanRickman pic.twitter.com/ubgAYYp2Ut

— Garima (@GarimaParekh) January 15, 2016

#AlanRickman did not play villian in #HarryPotter @timesofindia #RIPAlanRickman

— shatanshu (@shatanshu) January 15, 2016

@saurjyesh Not just a villain, but a 'sensual villain' no less. It's Harry Potter, not Fifty Shades of Grey, TOI.

— Prerna (@prernavohra26) January 15, 2016

@saurjyesh @sankalp_sp They have no damn idea about Prof. Snape, let alone understanding Rickman's space in the theater and film world.

— Arindita Gogoi (@inkcollector) January 15, 2016

Never change, TOI, you imperfect land mermaid https://t.co/aYZ6pLHxso

— resting witch face (@Freyan) January 15, 2016

Times of India pays tribute to 'Potter villian' Alan Rickman in their own inimitable style. pic.twitter.com/8L5qtlgpG8

— Nemo (@NonsensicalNemo) January 15, 2016