Poonam Pandey expressed pride in the buzz her ‘death’ created, asserting that it succeeded in sparking a conversation about cervical cancer, a disease often overlooked. The videos posted on Instagram showcased Poonam Pandey’s attempt to redirect the narrative towards the importance of awareness and preventive measures for cervical cancer.
ALSO READ: Actor-model Poonam Pandey succumbs to cervical cancer at 32
“I am here, alive. Cervical Cancer didn’t claim me, but tragically, it has claimed the lives of thousands of women who stemmed from a lack of knowledge on how to tackle this disease”, the model wrote on instagram.
Watch the video here:
View this post on Instagram
The initial news of her demise, allegedly due to cervical cancer, stirred a flurry of reactions on social media. However, doubts surfaced promptly, with followers pointing out that the 32-year-old actor had been active on social media just days before the announcement.
The publicist’s email confirming Pandey’s death also raised suspicions as the provided phone number turned out to be incorrect. The lack of details and a subsequent statement claiming the actor family members were ‘missing in action’ added to the confusion surrounding the news.
Critics have scrutinised Pandey for employing such a sensitive topic for a publicity stunt, calling it a tactless move.Netizens raised questions about the ethics of using one’s ‘death’ to draw attention to a cause, especially a topic as serious as cervical cancer.
FLASH: Poonam Pandey is alive!
The actress and model did not pass away; rather, she staged her “death” to raise awareness about cervical cancer.
Reports: @urvashikhona#PoonamPandey #CervicalCancer #PoonamPandeyisalive #PoonamPandeyDeath pic.twitter.com/8zOIvOvIsY— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) February 3, 2024
ALSO READ: Cancer child from Delhi dipped in Ganga, hoping for a miracle
Cervical cancer is a significant health concern in India, representing close to 18 per-cent of new cancer cases among women. Poonam Pandey, who initially capitalised on the shock factor, later pivoted the narrative towards raising awareness about the preventability of cervical cancer through measures like the HPV vaccine and early detection tests.
“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. Let’s empower one another with critical awareness and ensure every woman is informed about the steps to take”, she wrote.
Watch the video here:
View this post on Instagram
The incident unfolds against the backdrop of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s announcement of the government’s focus on cervical cancer vaccination for girls aged 9 to 14 in the interim Budget 2024.
