2024-02-04 11:11:00
Published
Feb. 4, 2024, 6:11 a.m. ET
Bollywood actress Poonam Pandey faked her death in a bizarre method to raise awareness for a “preventable” deadly disease.
Hindustan Times via Getty Images
Bollywood actress Poonam Pandey is alive and facing harsh criticism following she faked her death in an elaborate stunt to raise awareness for cervical cancer.
A post to Pandey’s Instagram account on Feb. 2 claimed that the model died from cervical cancer.
But a day later, Pandey revealed she was fine and breathing as she shared why she pulled off the bizarre stunt.
“I’m alive. I didn’t die because of cervical cancer,” Pandey said. “Unfortunately, I cannot say that regarding those hundreds of thousands of women who have lost their lives because of cervical cancer.”
“It is not because they mightn’t do anything regarding it, it’s because they had no idea what to do regarding it.”
Pandey continued with her service announcement, saying cervical cancer was preventable, “unlike other cancers” and all women need to do is to get tested and an HPV vaccine.
Apologizing for those who were hurt by her “death,” Pandey said her only intention was to “shock everyone” and begin a conversation on the deadly disease.
The revelation of the fake death hoax didn’t sit well with many as the model was called out for the publicity stunt.
“This is the most ridiculous way to promote something,” one commenter posted.
“Am happy she is alive but [please] arrest her for the drama and publicity stunt,” another read.
“Next time people won’t take you seriously, you just destroyed your entire credibility.”
Poonam Pandey revealed on Saturday that she did not die from cervical cancer, and it was an elaborate publicity stunt. Poonam Pandey/Instagram
The original death announcement was posted to Pandey’s Instagram account on Friday. Poonam Pandey/Instagram
“The worst ever s–tty n crass pr stunt that one can pull. People have lost their loved ones cause of cancer, I myself have, and here you’re making a mockery,” another commenter wrote. Get a life gurl and hire a better agency. Simply obtuse.”
Pandey, however, defended the hoax and said she wasn’t doing it to harm people because she had family members who also suffered from the disease.
“For those who are saying that I’m being insensitive, I’d like to tell you guys, my mother suffered cancer.”
“This unexpected turn of events, albeit startling, serves a greater purpose, Pandey said in a statement to her Instagram. “While I do understand how you would have perceived this in bad taste, I also implore you to consider the greater cause.”
“Before passing judgment on the act, I urge you to recognize the alarming concern burdening women worldwide. The sheer lack of awareness surrounding this issue was the mere reason that compelled me to take this unconventional step.”
Social media users criticized Pandey for the poor publicity stunt and even called for her arrest. Poonam Pandey/Instagram
The Bollywood actress rose to fame when she reached the finals of India’s annual Gladrags Manhunt and Megamodel Contest in 2011 Hindustan Times via Getty Images
Pandey, who rose to fame following reaching the finals of India’s annual Gladrags Manhunt and Megamodel Contest in 2011, expected some backlash but felt no other method would have gotten the word out as fast or wide.
“Feel free to express your frustration – I understand. But this is not just lip service, instead I’m committing my entire body to the service of Cervical Cancer,” Pandey added.
In subsequent posts, Pandey seemingly took a victory lap, thanking the two media firms that helped her accomplish the “campaign” that took over four months to plan.
Pandey posses for a nude photograph in 2011 to celebrate the Indian Hindu Festival of Holi in Mumbai. AFP via Getty Images
In 2013, Pandey starred in the Bollywood film Nasha where she played the lead role of a schoolteacher with whom one of her students became obsessed. AFP via Getty Images
Under the original death announcement, one eagle-eyed social media user called out the post as a publicity stunt, well before the model told the world she told the world.
“Cervical cancer patients don’t die suddenly, out of nowhere,” the user started writing.
“I hope this is not a publicity stunt disguised as creating awareness for cervical cancer, which would be unethical and irresponsible, especially when dealing with sensitive issues like health awareness.
Copy the URL to share
1707048302
#Bollywood #actress #Poonam #Pandey #faked #death #cervical #cancer #awareness
