In what can only be called a staggering series of events, model Poonam Pandey has made headlines after reports emerged, falsely claiming she succumbed to cervical cancer. The news, which sent ripples of shock through her fanbase and beyond, was later revealed as a calculated awareness campaign. What may have seemed a publicity strategy at first glance was a bold approach to shed light on a highly preventable disease that continues to claim the lives of women across the globe. Her estranged but yet-legally-bound husband, Sam Bombay, expressed his unwavering support for her unconventional methods.
On a typical Friday, the country woke up to somber news distributed by Poonam’s managerial team, announcing that the model and actress passed away after a searing battle with cervical cancer. Words of grief and shock flooded social media platforms, as her official Instagram account was updated with a heartfelt statement mourning the invaluable loss. Fans and fellow artists were left bereaved and in disbelief.
Nevertheless, within the swirl of mourning, the truth arose—Poonam was indeed alive and well. The following day she released a video, to which the confusion could finally be rested, claiming that the entire episode served a larger purpose – to educate and bring attention to cervical cancer and its prevention.
Poonam’s audacious act was not left without criticism. The public and media scrutinized her tactics as ethically questionable, prompting her husband, Sam Bombay, to step forward. In an interview with the Hindustan Times, when prompted about his initial reaction to the false news of Poonam’s death, he remarked, “No. I’m delighted she did. She is alive. That’s enough for me. Alhamdullilah.”
He confessed to feeling an eerie absence of sorrow, a sentiment that led him to suspect the initial reports. “When I heard the news, I felt nothing in my heart. There was no sense of loss. And I thought this can’t be. Why do I feel nothing? Because when you’re connected, you feel everything. I think about her (Poonam Pandey) every day. And, I pray for her every day. If something was wrong, I’d know.”
Despite their separation, Sam confirmed that their marriage remains legally intact and untouched by divorce procedures thus far. His happiness for her continued vitality was palpable, and he asserted her potential to make substantive contributions in the future.
Building on his assertion, Sam’s call for a respectful recognition of Poonam’s act was powerful. “Listen to me, if someone raises awareness about an issue with complete disregard for their fame or image, let’s respect that. Poonam Pandey is timeless. She is the boldest Indian woman. Several years from now, she’ll be celebrated,” he added.
Poonam’s dramatic “return from the dead” on social media was no less than cinematic. In her video message, she expressed her fervor to advocate for awareness about cervical cancer – a disease entirely preventable yet continuing to take thousands of lives due to ignorance and the lack of early detection. She highlighted the importance of the HPV vaccine and screenings that could save lives.
“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. …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 #DeathToCervicalCancer,” Poonam voiced passionately.
The aftermath of Poonam’s unorthodox awareness campaign has been as much a medley of applause and outrage as it has been a spectacle of consequential discussions that have surfaced about public health, celebrity influence, and ethical boundaries. One thing, however, remains clear: the conversation around cervical cancer has been ignited, channeled through the seemingly imperishable spirit of a woman determined to make a change.
