Noted Bollywood actress and model, Poonam Pandey, made headlines when she staged her death to bring cervical cancer into the spotlight, later unveiling it as an elaborate ruse.

A message posted on her Instagram account on February 2, 2024, wrongly claimed that she succumbed to cervical cancer, sparking a global chain of reactions which some categorized as a misleading publicity stunt.

Pandey rose to fame following her stint in the 2011 Gladrags Manhunt and Megamodel Contest, a yearly unisex pageant held by Indian magazine Gladrags to showcase appealing male and female models. She defended her actions by stressing the urgent need for enhanced cervical cancer awareness.

She offered her apologies to those upset by the stunt, explaining her goal was to ignite a widespread discussion about the disease. Pandey emphasized the significance of testing and the HPV vaccine as crucial steps towards cervical cancer prevention.

Her stunt was met with immediate backlash, with the majority of feedback accusing her of insensitivity and manipulation.

Several commenters criticized her approach, with one stating, “This is the most absurd method of promotion.” Another expressed relief at her safety, but suggested accountability for causing unnecessary drama. One warned of potential long-term consequences, stating, “You’ve completely undermined your own credibility; people won’t trust you in the future.”

Critics contended that using such a serious topic for publicity might lead to potential harm. Despite the controversy, Pandey stood firm, explaining that her family’s encounters with cancer inspired her decision to promote awareness by such unorthodox means.

This incident has sparked debates about the ethical limits of awareness campaigns, the role of celebrities in advocating for public health, and the possible impact of such stunts on public trust in health messages.

Although Pandey’s stunt sparked significant conversations about cervical cancer, it also raised questions about the potential erosion of trust in public health communications. The necessity for increased awareness and prevention strategies, including a nationwide HPV vaccination campaign, is clear as over 200 women die from cervical cancer daily in India alone.

Following the stunt, Pandey leveraged her platform to share information on the Indian government’s support for cervical cancer vaccination in the 2024 budget, demonstrating her continued dedication to the cause.