Recently, social media was buzzing with reactions after model and actress Poonam Pandey announced she had passed away due to cervical cancer, only to later reveal that it was a staged act meant to raise awareness. The public, already shocked by the news of her “death,” felt betrayed when it was revealed to be untrue. Among those who strongly reacted was actress and former Bigg Boss contestant Shefali Jariwala. She spoke out openly, expressing how disturbed and upset she felt about the way such a serious health issue was used for what she called a publicity stunt. Her words quickly caught attention, as many people agreed that there are better ways to spread awareness than playing with people’s emotions.
Shefali Jariwala, who is known for being honest and straightforward, did not hold back in her comments. She said that cancer is not a joke, and faking death is not the right way to start a conversation about it. According to her, thousands of families go through real pain every day because of this disease, and for someone to pretend to die just to get the public talking is deeply insensitive. Her reaction was not just about disappointment—it was about standing up for the people who are truly suffering and making sure their struggle is respected. She also mentioned that awareness should come from truth, kindness, and real stories—not shock value.
Poonam Pandey later clarified that her team came up with the idea as a bold move to get people to talk about cervical cancer, which is often ignored. She said her intentions were good and that she wanted to save lives by starting a conversation. While some appreciated her goal, most felt the method was wrong. People who had grieved for her—even briefly—felt hurt, tricked, and confused. Celebrities like Shefali Jariwala spoke not just for themselves, but for the general public who didn’t expect to be caught in a false emotional rollercoaster. Shefali’s voice in this matter echoed the thoughts of many who believe that raising awareness must come with responsibility.
The topic of cancer awareness is extremely important. Many people, especially women, are unaware of the risks, signs, and treatments related to cervical cancer. Health campaigns and stories of survivors can help save lives. But when such topics are turned into drama or fake news, the real message gets lost. Shefali’s criticism was not just about calling someone out—it was about protecting the truth and making sure real awareness doesn’t get buried under headlines and trending hashtags. She reminded everyone that while it’s important to speak up, it’s even more important to do so with care and thoughtfulness.
This entire incident has started a bigger conversation about how we talk about serious health issues in the age of social media. Shefali Jariwala’s bold stand has encouraged others to think twice before using shock or drama to grab attention. It has also reminded content creators, influencers, and public figures that with great reach comes great responsibility. Emotions, trust, and truth matter. And when it comes to something as life-changing as cancer, people deserve honesty. As this story fades from headlines, the lessons it brought will hopefully remain—because raising awareness is important, but doing it the right way matters even more.