Bollywood actress and model Poonam Pandey faked her own death to draw attention to cervical cancer, revealing a day later that it was an elaborate stunt.
The announcement on February 2, 2024, made via Pandey’s Instagram account, falsely stated that she had died from cervical cancer.
This revelation led to a global flurry of reactions, with many labeling the act as a deceptive publicity stunt.
Pandey, 32, who gained prominence following her participation in the 2011 Gladrags Manhunt and Megamodel Contest—an annual unisex pageant orchestrated by the Indian magazine Gladrags to identify and showcase the most appealing male and female models—defended her actions by highlighting the dire need for increased awareness of cervical cancer.
She apologized to those distressed by the stunt, clarifying her intention was to provoke a widespread conversation about the disease.
She highlighted the importance of testing and the HPV vaccine as essential measures for cervical cancer prevention.
The backlash against her stunt was immediate, with accusations of insensitivity and manipulation dominating the feedback.
One commenter criticized, “This has to be the most absurd method of promotion.”
Another expressed relief but suggested consequences: “Glad she’s safe, but she should be held accountable for this unnecessary drama and publicity maneuver.”
A third warned of long-term consequences: “You’ve completely undermined your own credibility; people won’t trust you in the future.”
“Absolutely the poorest taste in a publicity stunt imaginable. Many have grieved over cancer losses, including myself, and this act trivializes their pain,” wrote another, adding, “Find a better approach and get a more competent agency. Utterly senseless.”
Critics argued that leveraging a grave topic for publicity could potentially cause harm.
Despite the controversy, Pandey remained steadfast, citing her family’s battles with cancer as a driving force behind her decision to promote awareness through such unconventional means.
The incident has led to discussions about the ethical boundaries of awareness campaigns, the responsibilities of celebrities in public health advocacy, and the potential effects of such stunts on the public’s trust in health messages.
While Pandey’s stunt generated significant talk about cervical cancer, it also raised concerns about the erosion of credibility in public health communications.
With over 200 women dying daily from cervical cancer in India alone, the urgency for increased awareness and prevention strategies, including a national HPV vaccination campaign, is evident.
Following the stunt, Pandey utilized her platform to share information on the Indian government’s support for cervical cancer vaccination in the 2024 budget, showcasing her ongoing commitment to the cause.
