[ad_1]
Poonam Pandey was spotted by Mumbai paparazzi for the first time since she faked her own death. Videos shared on social media by the paparazzi account show her in a salwar kameez, carrying an arti thaali in her hands, as if she is coming to meet the paparazzi after a visit to the mandir. (Read also: Poonam Pandey says people benefited monetarily from her fake death stunt: ‘It galvanized me to the cause’
Poonam didn’t say much but smiled and posed for the paparazzi as they shouted her name. People on social media were not kind to her comments. Someone called her ‘Undertaker ki behen’. “Dead man walking ki jagah Dead woman walking,” one wrote. Others shared the same line from the hit movie Welcome: “Arre dekho ye zinda hain (look, she is alive)!”
What was the trick?
Earlier this month, the news of Pandey’s “death” from the disease dominated the headlines and sparked intense debate on social media. It later turned out that the news was fake and that it was a stunt carried out by the actress and her team to spread “critical awareness” about cervical cancer.
In a video, posted on her official Instagram page, Pandey said on February 3, “I feel compelled to share something meaningful with all of you: I am here, I am alive.”
“Cervical cancer didn’t kill me, but it has tragically claimed the lives of thousands of women due to a lack of knowledge about how to deal with this disease,” the 32-year-old added.
“Unlike other types of cancer, cervical cancer is completely preventable. The key is the HPV vaccine and early detection testing. We have the means to ensure that no one loses their life from this sickness.
“Let’s empower each other with critical awareness and ensure all women are informed about the next steps. Together, let’s strive to end the devastating impact of the disease and bring #DeathToCervicalCancer,” she wrote.
The agency apologizes
Schbang, the media company involved in the ake death stunt, has apologized after its campaign to raise awareness about cervical cancer backfired.
In a statement shared on Instagram, the Mumbai-based company acknowledged being part of the hoax, which drew harsh criticism on social media from celebrities and users alike. They apologized to people affected by cancer, but also claimed that their campaign had produced great results in raising awareness about the disease.
“We were involved in Poonam Pandey’s initiative to raise awareness about cervical cancer in collaboration with Hauterfly. To begin with, we would like to extend a sincere apology, especially to those who have been affected as a result of facing/having a serious illness. loved one faces the difficulties of any type of cancer,” Schbang said.