On Friday, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) issued a statement demanding an FIR complaint be registered against Indian model-actress Poonam Pandey.
The fiasco unfolded when Pandey’s team on Friday shared a statement on Instagram saying that she had died from cervical cancer. On Saturday, the star shared shocking videos of herself and revealed that she faked her death to bring awareness about cervical cancer.
According to Indian media portals, AICWA President Suresh Shyamlal Gupta told ANI, “Is this a joke?… You stooped so low for cheap publicity. No one has stooped this low in the Bollywood industry… You have played with the sentiments of the people… There is a way to raise awareness. You can approach the government, an NGO or do a media conference… I have asked the Mumbai Police Commissioner that an FIR should be registered against Poonam Pandey and her manager…”
#WATCH | Mumbai, Maharashtra: On actress Poonam Pandey, President of All Indian Cine Workers Association Suresh Shyamlal Gupta says, "… Is this a joke?… You stooped so low for cheap publicity. No one has stooped this low in the Bollywood industry… You have played with the… pic.twitter.com/r49kA8cyg3
— ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2024
Taking to platform X (formerly known as Twitter) on Saturday, AICWA wrote, “The fake PR stunt by model and actress Poonam Pandey is highly wrong. Using the guise of cervical cancer for self-promotion is not acceptable. After this news, people may hesitate to believe any death news in the Indian film industry. No one in the film industry stoops to such levels for PR.”
AICWA also reportedly stated, “Poonam Pandey’s manager had confirmed the false news, so there should be an FIR against Poonam Pandey and her manager to prevent anyone exploiting their own death news for personal gains (PR). The entire Indian film industry, along with the entire nation, paid tribute.”
The Fake PR stunt by Model and Actress Poonam Pandey is highly wrong. Using the guise of Cervical Cancer for self-promotion is not acceptable.
After this news, people may hesitate to believe any Death news in the Indian film industry. No one in the film industry Stoops to such… pic.twitter.com/CnKmmsCUoQ
— All Indian Cine Workers Association (@AICWAofficial) February 3, 2024
On Friday, the actor’s team made a shocking announcement on Instagram which read, “Deeply saddened to inform you that we have lost our beloved Poonam to cervical cancer. Every living form that ever came in contact with her was met with pure love and kindness. In this time of grief, we would request for privacy while we remember her fondly for all that we shared.”
On Saturday, Pandey shared a video in which she revealed that she is alive and that cervical cancer didn’t claim her. “I feel compelled to share something significant with you all – I am here, alive. Cervical Cancer didn’t claim me, but tragically, it has claimed the lives of thousands of women who stemmed from a lack of knowledge on how to tackle this disease. Unlike some other cancers, Cervical Cancer is entirely preventable. The key lies in the HPV vaccine and early detection tests. We have the means to ensure no one loses their life to this disease. Let’s empower one another with critical awareness and ensure every woman is informed about the steps to take. Visit the link in the bio to delve deeper into what can be done. Together, let’s strive to put an end to the devastating impact of the disease and bring,” Pandey shared and ended the note with #DeathToCervicalCancer.
In a follow-up video, the Nasha star apologized for the stunt stating, “I am sorry I caused this tear and I am sorry to those I have hurt. My intention: to shock everyone into the conversation that we are not talking enough about cervical cancer.”
Poonam Pandey comes under fire for faking death for cancer awareness
