Latest news with #PoonamPandey
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
The great recaliberation?
The difference between listening to respond, and listening to understand has never been this stark in the branded universe. There is an immense stream of public opinion floating around on almost any and every topic in the universe. Consumer understanding is at its peak, and yet, how brands respond to it varies. Take for example the manner in which the Cervical Cancer campaign by faking Poonam Pandey's death was executed - based on the insight that shock value echoes through online echo chambers, the final execution was way off the mark in terms of public sensibilities. On the other hand, we see brands listen to what consumers say about their products and these then become central to the strategy. A living example is the popularity of the Stanley Cup . A few pieces of viral content backed by sound thinking and execution and it became one of the most prominent markers of pop culture. Users talked about their own hacks, DIY pieces and customisations that made the cup so dear to them. The same thing happened with the Labubu trend in the past few weeks and months. We have transitioned from an era where it was imperative for the brand to set the narrative, context, and belief system around their offerings, to an era where consumers build their own context for things in their daily lives. Brands that crack this code ensure extended lifecycles while others are left waiting for their time in the sun. The stories are still being told, but the one who was listening earlier, has probably become the narrator now. Interesting times ahead!
News18
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Poonam Pandey Defends Fake Death Stunt For Cervical Cancer Awareness Campaign
Last Updated: Poonam Pandey took the Internet by storm when her team announced that the actress had 'died' due to cervical cancer. Known for an unapologetic public persona, Poonam Pandey has long remained a polarising figure in the entertainment industry. Things took a dramatic turn last year when the model-turned-actress used social media to falsely announce her death – IYKYK. Poonam's stunt attracted massive attention from both netizens and celebrities, but it also triggered a wave of harsh criticism and backlash across social media. In an interview with Bollywood Bubble, Poonam explained her reasons for going to such extreme lengths for the campaign. When asked about the controversy, she stated it was all done to make people realise that cervical cancer is preventable if the right precautions are taken. 'People are calling me now saying, 'We hated you,' but people are taking vaccines now," Poonam said, adding that even her doctor friends praised the campaign as brilliant. 'People were not taking it seriously. Nobody was until they got to know about me. It was insane," she added. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bollywood Bubble Television (@bollywoodbubbletelly) Poonam Pandey took the Internet by storm when her team announced her 'death" on social media due to cervical cancer, highlighting her 'brave fight." After 24 hours, Poonam returned to her account to reveal the announcement was a hoax and expressed pride in the awareness it generated around cervical cancer. The stunt, however, was met with severe backlash, with netizens labelling it unethical and manipulative. Speaking about the criticism, she said, 'People came out, and they bluntly spoke shit about me. Jhoot toh sabhi bolte hai, apni daily life mein. At least 10 jhoot bolte honge, maine 1 bola, 1000-plus people were saved, aur tumko usme bhi problem hai." Discussing the campaign further, Poonam Pandey revealed that the idea came from an advertising agency named Schbang, and that she charged no money for participating in it, stating it was purely for the cause of cervical cancer awareness. 'I thought main koi achha kaam kar leti hoon. I would do something nice, but people crucified me," she noted. While some supporters argued that Poonam's bold stunt raised critical awareness and drew attention to the importance of HPV vaccination, others, including organisations like Gavi, criticised the campaign and called it ethically questionable. First Published: July 22, 2025, 16:17 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Poonam Pandey opens up about trust issues, emotional scars, and surviving the spotlight: 'Every day is difficult'
Poonam Pandey has peeled off some layers of her public persona through an open interview conducted by Bollywood Bubble. Known for her bluntness, Pandey spoke about how fame hurts one emotionally, being very selective in relationships, and preparing oneself for years within this industry. 'I find it difficult to trust people now' Pandey admitted that her past experiences both personal and professional have left her with deep-seated trust issues. Although she is still receptive to love and friendship, she acknowledged that fear frequently prevents her from doing so. She claimed that her relationships had been rather, "unfortunate," and that she now finds it hard to be vulnerable with other people. On surviving daily struggles and media scrutiny She has experienced criticism that would break most people, from personal heartbreak to public backlash, but she has learned to accept it. In her words, controversy and acclaim combined, and the media created a public image of her. All these years have made Pandey tough and today she takes the media attention, whether good or bad, to be one of the baggage of the package, though she is still the target of trolling many-a-times. On the casting couch and industry boundaries While dealing with a very sensitive topic, Pandey opened her heart saying she has never had to face a casting couch in Bollywood. Her reasons: a very dominant personality and a very strong will to lay down her boundaries. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like A fascinating fantasy game! Sea of Conquest Play Now Undo She says, I am very clear that I will not tolerate the kind of behavior that is inappropriate. She expressed empathy for women who have endured such experiences and emphasized the importance of self-respect and speaking out. Fame, controversy, and reclaiming identity Pandey also shared her bits from when she just started and pointed out that there was a time when she stirred controversy to be noticed in an industry filled with star families.
News18
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Poonam Pandey's Mother Was 'Scared' Of Her Fake Death Stunt: 'Koi Sach Mein Na Maar De'
Last Updated: In February 2024, Poonam Pandey's sudden death was announced via her social media. However, a day later, the actress came out in a video statement and revealed that she was alive. Poonam Pandey's mother, Vidya Pandey, has opened up on the social media star's fake death controversy. In a recent interview, Poonam's mother admitted that she was the only person who was aware of the fake stunt planning. However, she shared that she was 'scared" because of the same and feared that somebody would kill her daughter. 'Media people arrived in our village. There were all sorts of people. Some were saying good things, others weren't. I was afraid for her. I sat silently the entire day. I was thinking that even if she lied, what if someone kills her?" Poonam's mother told Instant Bollywood. What Is Poonam Pandey's Fake Death Stunt? In February 2024, everyone was left shocked after Poonam Pandey's sudden death was announced via her social media. '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. In this time of grief, we would request for privacy while we remember her fondly for all that we shared," a note on her Instagram read. However, a day later, the actress came out in a video statement and revealed that she was alive. She argued that the motive of her death news was to create awareness regarding cervical cancer. However, it did not go down well with everyone and several celebrities including Kangana Ranaut and Karan Kundrra among others lashed out at the actress. Later, All Indian Cine Workers Association also slammed the actress-model, stating that her actions were 'highly wrong" and 'unacceptable". '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. 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 (sic)," the statement read. First Published:
NDTV
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
When Shefali Jariwala Slammed Poonam Pandey For Milking Cancer For Publicity
On February 2, 2024, actor-model Poonam Pandey hit the headlines when it was announced that she had died after a battle with cervical cancer. The next day, she released a video on Instagram, saying she was alive and she faked her death to raise "critical awareness" about cervical cancer. The stunt didn't go down well with people on social media and elsewhere, and many called out Poonam Pandey for resorting to a publicity stunt to seek relevance. Actor-model Shefali Jariwala was also one of the celebrities who criticised Poonam Pandey for faking her own death. The actor-model, best known for her appearance in the iconic remix song Kaanta Laga, had shared an angry post against Poonam Pandey. At the time, Shefali Jariwala's father Satish Jariwala was undergoing treatment for stage 3 colon cancer. What's Happening Shefali Jariwala, who died on June 27, 2025, had once criticised Poonam Pandey for creating a "fake drama of her demise" from cervical cancer. The Kaanta Laga star on February 3, 2024, shared an Instagram post detailing how she was affected after Poonam Pandey pulled the infamous death hoax. "Deeply saddened and hurt how some people can use CANCER for publicity. I can't believe how insensitive people are. I don't know Poonam Pandey at all, but the fake drama of her demise to cervical cancer deeply affected me," she wrote. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shefali Jariwala 🧿 (@shefalijariwala) Shefali Jariwala said she felt "scared" for her father who was under treatment for stage 3 colon cancer at the time. "...The last few months have been difficult as my father has been undergoing treatment for Colon Cancer - stage 3. Not being able to sleep all of last night and being anxious as f*#k makes me so angry. In the name of creating awareness pls stop playing with people's emotions! Creating awareness on a SM platform is one thing but faking your own death is so low... This is not a joke... cancer is not a joke!" she added. The actor-model had also shared a picture of her father from the hospital bed. "This picture is from November 2023, right after his second surgery this year. Love and strength to all cancer survivors and people battling it! Don't let this cheap publicity stunt shake you. You guys are warriors," she wrote. In A Nutshell In 2024, Shefali Jariwala blasted Poonam Pandey for making a mockery out of cancer patients by faking her own death in order to spread "critical awareness" about cervical cancer. As the daughter of a cancer patient, Shefali Jariwala took umbrage at Poonam Pandey's death stunt. Shefali Jariwala died on June 27, 2025. Investigation into her sudden death is currently underway, with the postmortem report expected soon.
