Bollywood actress and model, Poonam Pandey, stirred global controversy when she falsely reported her own death to raise awareness about cervical cancer, later clarifying it as a stunt.
On February 2, 2024, Pandey’s Instagram account incorrectly announced her death due to cervical cancer. This misleading information led to various global responses, some categorizing the act as a dishonest publicity tactic.
Pandey, 32, gained fame after her involvement in the 2011 Gladrags Manhunt and Megamodel Contest—a yearly unisex pageant conducted by Indian magazine Gladrags to identify and promote the most attractive male and female models. She defended her controversial stunt by emphasizing the critical need for increased cervical cancer awareness.
While she apologized to those who were upset by the stunt, Pandey explained that her objective was to instigate a broader discussion on the disease. She underscored the significance of regular testing and HPV vaccination as crucial preventative measures.
Reaction to her stunt was swift and predominantly critical, with allegations of insensitivity and manipulation forming the bulk of the feedback.
One individual condemned the stunt as “the most absurd method of promotion,” while another suggested she should face consequences for the unnecessary drama and publicity. A third comment warned of the potential long-term effects, stating, “You’ve completely undermined your own credibility; people won’t trust you in the future.”
Another commenter wrote, “Absolutely the poorest taste in a publicity stunt imaginable. Many have grieved over cancer losses, including myself, and this act trivializes their pain. Find a better approach and get a more competent agency. Utterly senseless.”
Despite the backlash, Pandey stood firm on her decision, attributing her family’s cancer battles as motivation to promote awareness through this unconventional means.
The stunt sparked dialogue about the ethical limits of awareness campaigns, the role of celebrities in public health advocacy, and the potential impact of such actions on public trust in health messaging.
With over 200 women succumbing to cervical cancer every day in India, the need for increased awareness and prevention efforts, including a nationwide HPV vaccination campaign, is clear. While Pandey’s stunt generated significant conversation about cervical cancer, it also raised concerns about potential credibility issues in public health communications.
Following the incident, Pandey used her Instagram platform to provide information on the Indian government’s support for cervical cancer vaccination in the 2024 budget, demonstrating her continued dedication to the cause.
