MUMBAI, INDIA - JUNE 07: Poonam Pandey attends the screening of Zee5 upcoming movie 'Ardh' on June 07, 2022 in Mumbai, India (Photo by Prodip Guha/Getty Images)
Poonam Pandey, a popular Bollywood actress, is speaking out after recently faking her own death. On an otherwise regular Friday, Poonam’s Instagram account, boasting a whopping 1.3 million followers, dropped a bombshell.
In an official statement on Instagram, they claimed she had died from cervical cancer. “This morning is a tough one for us. Deeply saddened to inform you that we have lost our beloved Poonam to,” the caption read.
“Every living form that ever came in contact with her was met with pure love and kindness.”
The post was met with an outpouring of grief and condolences. Many expressed disbelief at the sudden departure of the film star. News of her death had spread like wildfire on social media, with her manager Nikita Sharma later adding fuel to the fire by confirming her demise to local media.
“Poonam Pandey, the beloved actress and social media personality, has tragically passed away this morning due to cervical cancer, leaving the entertainment industry in shock and mourning. Her unwavering spirit amidst her health struggles was truly remarkable.”
Nikita also highlighted the need for increased awareness and measures against preventable diseases like cervical cancer. But only 24 hours later, on Saturday (February 3), Pandey shockingly reappeared on her social media. She then came clean and admitted that the whole thing was staged.
So, what would make a successful actress want to fake her death?
According to the 32-year-old, it was all about raising the alarm on the often-overlooked health issue — cancer.
“Yes, I faked my demise. Extreme, I know. But suddenly we all are talking about cervical cancer, aren’t we?” She said in her video.
“I am proud of what my death news has been able to achieve.” Despite the backlash faced by some fans, Poonam held her ground.
She emphasized that cervical cancer can be entirely prevented with the HPV vaccine and early detection tests.
“Unlike some other cancers, cervical cancer is entirely preventable. The key lies in the HPV vaccine and early detection tests. We have the means to ensure no one loses their life to this disease.”
Poonam’s stunt, regardless of how bizarre it was, has undoubtedly thrown the spotlight on a critical health issue.
According to the National Library of Medicine, India accounts for nearly one-fourth of the world’s cervical cancer cases. Over 200 women lose their lives to the disease every day in the country.
Not to mention that health campaigners have been lobbying the Indian government to roll out national HPV vaccinations for young girls.
