04 February,2024 10:00 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Uorfi Javed and Poonam Pandey
Model Poonam Pandey has been dominating headlines since Friday, February 2. On Friday, a post on her official Instagram handle claimed that she had passed away due to cervical cancer. Her manager also confirmed her death. However, a day later she came on social media to reveal she was alive and that the death news was her way of spreading awareness about cervical cancer. However, Poonam's way of spreading awareness did not go down well with netizens who called the gimmick 'pathetic' and a 'mockery' of people who have lost loved ones to the illness.
Model and internet sensation Uorfi Javed also took to her social media handle to take a dig at model Poonam Pandey's death gimmick. She shared a picture of her lying in bed dealing with a hangover. Sharing the picture of herself with smeared eye makeup, Uorfi wrote, "Hi guys I'm not dead, just spreading awareness about hangovers. When you're drinking, you feel so alive, the next day, you feel dead but you don't really die. Sorry the dead ain't deading".
On February 2, Poonam's manager claimed that the actress had lost her life to cervical cancer. A statement was also posted on Poonam's official Instagram which read, "This morning is a tough one for us. 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."
However, on Saturday, Poonam shared a video on social media announcing that she is alive and shared that she faked her demise as she intended to raise awareness about cervical cancer.
"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 #DeathToCervicalCancer," she said.