HEALTH – A Bollywood star and model who lied about her death says she is ‘proud’ of the publicity stunt, saying it has helped raise greater awareness around cervical cancer.

She was Reportedly Dead on Friday

Poonam Pandey, 32, was announced as having died from the disease on Friday, in a social media message to her 1.3 million fans posted by her management team.

The Instagram post 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.’

The news was confirmed by her manager Nikita Sharma, who told local media: ‘Poonam Pandey, the beloved actress and social media personality, has tragically passed away this morning due to cervical cancer, leaving the entertainment industry in shock and mourning. 

‘Her unwavering spirit amidst her health struggles was truly remarkable.

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‘Sharma also highlighted the ‘critical need for increased awareness and proactive measures against preventable diseases like cervical cancer’.

News of her death was reported in media outlets around the world, including EmmanuelsBlog.

She has Come Back From Death

But just a day later, the actress set the record straight with a video revealing she was still alive, Sky News reports.

She Apologized

Apologising to her fans, Pandey said: ‘Yes, I faked my demise. Extreme, I know. But suddenly we all are talking about cervical cancer, aren’t we?

‘I am proud of what my death news has been able to achieve.

About Cervical Cancer

‘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.’

In a later post, she urged disgruntled fans to ‘express your frustration’, adding ‘but this is not just lip service, instead I’m committing my entire body to the service of cervical cancer.’

Pandey, from Kanpur, India, garnered considerable notoriety when she vowed to strip for Team India if they won the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011.