NEW DELHI: Model-actor Poonam Pandey, renowned for her bold presence on social media, has passed away at the age of 32. The news of her demise, attributed to cervical cancer, has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, leaving her over a billion followers on Instagram in grief.
Poonam Pandey’s journey in the public eye was marked by controversies and headline-grabbing moments. One of her early incidents was in 2011 when she garnered attention by promising to strip if the Indian cricket team won the World Cup. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) intervened, preventing her from carrying out the act.
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Expressing her disappointment over the BCCI’s denial after India’s World Cup win, Poonam Pandey repeated a similar promise for her favoured IPL team, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Following KKR’s victory, she posted a nude photo on social media, receiving both praise and criticism.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, Poonam Pandey and her husband Sam Bombay faced legal troubles for violating lockdown rules by going for a walk. The Mumbai Police arrested the couple, leading to widespread criticism for their perceived irresponsibility during the pandemic.
In 2017, Poonam Pandey launched the Pandey App, featuring explicit content. Google promptly banned the app from the Play Store within an hour, citing a violation of content guidelines. This incident sparked discussions on freedom of expression in the digital space.
FLASH: Actress and Model Poonam Pandey passes away after battle with cervical cancer.
#PoonamPandey pic.twitter.com/T7lXG6ILoh
— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) February 2, 2024
Poonam Pandey also made headlines by filing a domestic violence complaint against her husband in 2021, resulting in his arrest. During her participation in the reality show ‘Lock Upp,’ she disclosed alleged instances of domestic violence in her marriage.
The news comes on the heels of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s announcement in Budget 2024 regarding the government’s initiative to promote cervical cancer vaccination among girls aged 9 to 14.
To combat cervical cancer, the vaccination program will focus on administering the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine. This vaccine is designed to protect against specific strains of cervical cancer, highlighting the government’s commitment to addressing health concerns affecting women.
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Poonam Pandey’s manager, Parul Chawla, confirmed that the actor had been diagnosed with the last stage of cervical cancer. She stated on Instagram, “This morning is a tough one for us. Deeply saddened to inform you that we have lost our beloved Poonam to cervical cancer.” The announcement on her Instagram handle described her as a beloved personality who left an indelible impact with her kindness and love towards everyone she encountered.
The news of Pandey’s death has prompted an outpouring of condolences from celebrities and followers alike. Kangana Ranaut, Munawar Faruqui, Daisy Shah, and Pooja Bhatt expressed their sorrow and paid tribute to the departed soul.
Kangana Ranaut expressed her sorrow on Instagram, stating, “This is so sad, losing a young woman to cancer is a catastrophe. Om Shanti.” Poonam Pandey was a participant in the reality show ‘Lock Upp,’ which was hosted by Kangana.
Munawar Faruqui, winner of ‘Bigg Boss 17’ and Poonam Pandey’s co-contestant on ‘Lock Upp,’ shared his shock on social media, writing, “Shocking! can’t process the news. Poonam was a great human being. Sad. RIP.”
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Daisy Shah also conveyed her shock and sadness on social media, saying, “Shocked and saddened by the news of Poonam Pandey’s demise. May her soul find tranquillity, and may her loved ones find strength. Gone too soon #PoonamPandey #RestInPeace.”
Pooja Bhatt, expressing her condolences, stated, “So tragic to hear about #PoonamPandey. I had never met her, but when life claims someone so young, it is always devastating. My prayers & deepest condolences to her family, friends, & everyone whose life she impacted.”
