A scandal broke out in India when it was revealed that Bollywood actress and model Poonam Pandey was still alive after a statement was shared on her Instagram account claiming that she had died of cervical cancer.
On Friday, February 2, in a post from Pandey’s official account, which has more than 1.3 million followers, it was stated that Pandey died of cervical cancer at the age of 32.
“This morning is a difficult morning for us,” the statement said.
“I am deeply saddened to inform you that we have lost our beloved Poonam to cervical cancer. Every living form that came into contact with her was met with pure love and kindness.”
The news was later “verified” by Pandey’s team on a number of Indian national news outlets, including NDTV and News18; In a statement to the press, his manager Nikita Sharma praised Pandey’s “unwavering spirit amidst health struggles”. This news appeared in dozens of media outlets. Independent.
However, Pandey has now shared a series of posts and videos announcing that she is not actually dead and that the report is a publicity stunt aimed at raising awareness about cervical cancer screenings.
“I feel compelled to share something important with you all, I’m here, I’m alive,” he wrote alongside a video of himself discussing the stunt and the awareness campaign. “Cervical cancer did not affect me, but tragically it has claimed the lives of thousands of women due to lack of knowledge on how to combat this disease.
“Unlike some other cancers, cervical cancer is completely preventable. The secret lies in the HPV vaccine and early detection tests. We have the means to ensure that no one loses their life due to this disease. “Let’s empower each other with critical awareness and ensure that every woman is informed about the steps to take.”
Independent He contacted Pandey’s representatives for comment.
Pandey, who is originally from Kanpur in northern India, acknowledged the controversy surrounding the show in a separate post, writing: “I understand that the recent news of my supposed death from cervical cancer has taken a minute to digest, and I appreciate the warmth you and the world have expanded in the last 24 hours.” concern.
“This unexpected turn of events, surprising as it is, serves a larger purpose. While I understand how you might perceive this as being in bad taste, I also implore you to consider the larger reason. Before passing judgment on this action, I urge you to recognize the alarming anxiety that burdens women around the world.
“The sole reason that pushed me to take this unusual step was the complete lack of awareness on this issue.”
Pandey touched on the Indian government’s commitment in this week’s Budget to increase uptake of cervical cancer screenings and HPV vaccines, but claimed “only a small fraction can say with certainty that they will sign up for this”.
She then shared a link to her website, poonampandeyisalive.com, where “we can come together to fight cervical cancer and make a positive impact.”
Pandey said false news about his death added to “500 headlines” and that “if we can create that kind of impact… I am ready to absorb the impact of this moment for the greater good.”
At the time of writing, the statement announcing Pandey’s death was still posted on his Instagram page.
The stunt sparked outrage among his followers and the medical community; Many called out Pandey in the comments below their posts.
“You destroyed all your credibility,” one critic wrote, and the post received more than 16,000 “likes” within hours of being posted.
“Worst publicity stunt ever!” wrote entertainment journalist Hesha Chimah.
Hundreds of other comments branded the show “tasteless” and “insensitive”.
Writing under a post shared by public relations firm Hauter Fly, doctor and author Tanaya Narendra, who has 1.5 million followers, objected to being quoted in one of Pandey’s videos.
“Please do not associate me with your tasteless campaign,” he wrote. “I was raising HPV vaccine awareness long before your ill-conceived plan came along. “This action was insensitive and morally reprehensible and I cannot bear to be associated with it.”
After growing up in Kanpur, Pandey moved to Mumbai, where he made his Bollywood debut with the 2013 film. Nasha (Poisoning).
In the erotic thriller, she played the lead role of Anita, a drama teacher who becomes involved in a controversial romantic relationship with a student.
Appeared in the first season of the Indian reality show LockingThe 2022 series, hosted by actor Kangana Ranaut, follows 19 “misunderstood” or controversial celebrities who have to go through tough fights in a makeshift “prison” while completing various tasks to be released.
After her “death” was announced, many celebrities, including Bollywood star Ranaut, paid tribute to her on social media.
“This is so sad. Losing a young woman to cancer is a disaster,” Ranaut wrote on Instagram Stories.
Munawar Faruqui, stand-up comedian and Pandey’s “inmate” friend Locking The winner of the series eventually tweeted: “Can’t process the news. Poonam was a wonderful person. Sad. REST IN PEACE.”
Actor-filmmaker Pooja Bhatt also wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: “So tragic to hear about Poonam Pandey. I had never met her but when life takes over someone this young, it’s always devastating.”
“I offer my prayers and deepest condolences to his family, friends and everyone whose lives he affected.”
Pandey married filmmaker Sam Bombay on September 10, 2020, but their relationship was later embroiled in a domestic abuse case.
Two months after their marriage, Pandey accused Bombay of physical assault, which led to his arrest in Goa.
A week after filing the domestic violence case, the two reportedly reconciled and got back together.
“We’re trying to get everything done, and we’re more or less trying to get everything done,” he said India times. “We are together again. Do you know? We both love each other very much. We are madly in love. And which one shaadi [marriage] Doesn’t it have its ups and downs?
Pandey sparked controversy when it was reported that he was arrested for violating Covid quarantine protocols in the early months of the pandemic.
Pandey denied the allegations in a video posted on his Instagram account, where Pandey clarified that he was “having a movie marathon” at home and did not violate any lockdown rules.
Press Foundation of India It was initially reported that Pandey and Bombay were arrested by the Mumbai police for violating the nationwide lockdown rules and going for a drive.
“Hi friends, I had a movie marathon last night. “I watched three movies back to back, it was fun,” Pandey said in an Instagram video. “I’ve been getting calls since last night that I’ve been arrested, and I’ve seen it on the news.
“Friends, please don’t write such things about me. I’m at home and I’m fine. I love you all.”
In 2022, the Supreme Court of India granted Pandey protection from arrest after he was accused in a major porn movie blackmail case.