The model, actor, and reality TV star Poonam Pandey passed away on Thursday night from cervical cancer, according to a statement made by her manager on Friday. To announce the news of her passing, her team also posted a message on her official Instagram account. But as it happens, Poonam is still alive. On Saturday, she announced the same via a few videos that she shared on Instagram. She’s getting flak from celebrities and social media users alike.
Poonam Pandey said ‘I am alive’
“I am alive,” Poonam Pandey declared. “Cervical cancer did not take my life away. Regretfully, I am unable to make that statement regarding the countless numbers of women who have lost their lives to cervical cancer.”
Poonam Pandey continued discussing the illness and said “I feel compelled to share something significant with you all – I am here, alive. Though it didn’t take my life, cervical cancer has sadly taken thousands of women’s lives due to a lack of awareness about treatment options.”
While many fans and celebrities expressed their sorrow for Poonam’s untimely “death” on Friday, there was conjecture regarding the reason behind it, whether it was a stunt, and her family’s silence.
Poonam Pandey’s team support in her death stunt
On Friday, the actress’ team wrote in a post on her official Instagram page that “This morning is tough for us. We are very sorry to tell you that Poonam, our beloved, passed away from cervical cancer. She greeted every living thing that ever touched her with unadulterated love and kindness. We would ask for privacy during this difficult time while we cherish the memories we have of her.”
Poonam’s manager Nikita Sharma added in an interview with Hauterrfly.com, “Poonam’s dedication to her work and her unwavering spirit amidst her health struggles was truly remarkable.Her passing will serve as a constant reminder of how important it is to put our health first, especially when it comes to diseases like cervical cancer that which is preventable.”
Poonam Pandey’s family stayed silent
According to some reports, Poonam’s family was inaccessible following her shocking announcement. According to a source cited in an India Today’s article, ‘Poonam’s family members are untraceable.’ Efforts were made to contact them, but their phones were either unreachable or turned off.
“We tried calling Poonam’s sister after our last call with her, but ever since, her phone has been switched off,” a source told the portal. He continued saying “Not only that, but it is impossible to get in touch with her other family members. Surprisingly, when we attempted to contact Poonam’s team members as well, we were unable to reach any of them on the phone. We are therefore also perplexed at this time.”
A video from a Goa party that Poonam uploaded to Instagram a few days prior to the public announcement of her passing sparked reactions from other users on social media on Friday. Her final Instagram post was that one. Many expressed shock at Poonam’s “sudden death.”
Internet’s reaction:
Posts and comments criticising Poonam are all over Twitter and Instagram. One X user said “As anticipated! It was all a publicity stunt! Everyone who had doubts about her was correct! Poonam Pandey is the biggest fraudster alive, according to a tweet. This is clearly disgusting.”
Celebrities are refusing to pardon her for the “insensitive” joke, even if they are her own industry friends. Kusha Kapila stated, “There is an agency behind this,” in response to reports regarding Poonam’s publicity stunt. “I cannot credit the person who genuinely had the idea and gave it the green light .”
