Dolly Sohi slams Poonam Pandey for faking death due to cervical cancer

TV actress Dolly Sohi, who is undergoing treatment for cervical cancer, has expressed her anger and disappointment over Poonam Pandey’s death hoax. The actor-model had announced her death due to cervical cancer on her Instagram account, only to reveal later that it was a publicity stunt to raise awareness about the disease. Dolly Sohi, who is fighting for her life, said that Poonam Pandey’s act was insensitive and irresponsible, and that it shook her inner strength.

How did Poonam Pandey fake her death?

Poonam Pandey, who is known for her bold and controversial photos and videos, had shocked her fans and followers on February 2, 2024, when her manager posted a note on her Instagram account, stating that she had passed away due to cervical cancer. The note 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. In this time of grief, we would request privacy while we remember her fondly for all that we shared.”

The note was accompanied by a black-and-white picture of Poonam Pandey, and it received thousands of likes and comments from her fans and friends, who expressed their shock and condolences. However, the next day, Poonam Pandey posted a video on her Instagram account, in which she revealed that she was alive and well, and that she had faked her death to spread awareness about cervical cancer. She said, “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.”

She further said that she wanted to use her platform and influence to educate and empower women about cervical cancer, and that she had partnered with a non-profit organization to provide free screening and treatment to women in need. She also apologized to her fans and followers for causing them distress, and asked them to support her cause and join her campaign.

How did Dolly Sohi react to Poonam Pandey’s death hoax?

Dolly Sohi, who is a popular TV actress and has worked in shows like Bhabhi, Kalash, and Jhanak, was diagnosed with cervical cancer in September 2023, and has been undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy since then. She had quit her show Jhanak to focus on her health and treatment, and had also shaved her head to cope with the hair loss caused by the therapy. She had been sharing her journey and struggle with her fans and followers on social media, and had also been raising awareness and funds for cervical cancer.

Dolly Sohi, who is in a critical condition, said that she was highly emotional and disturbed by Poonam Pandey’s death hoax, and that it had shaken her inner strength. She said, “I am highly emotional right now. I can cry anytime because of people like Poonam Pandey, who makes a big joke about cervical cancer. This is not a way of doing publicity or the campaign or the promotion or the awareness. People who are already fighting and going through this pain, going through this treatment, it is very difficult for them to digest that ‘oh sh*t she was just 32 and she passed away’. Believe me, when I read this news yesterday I was shaken up. She was all fine and I was in disbelief that a girl doing so fine, how could she die? I was scared and my inner strength had shaken up.”

She further said that Poonam Pandey’s act was insensitive and irresponsible, and that it played with the emotions of the cancer patients and their families. She said, “This is a very sensitive topic. A person, who is fighting cancer, going through the treatment, this is not a way to create or spread awareness. Please do not play with other’s emotions… especially a cancer patient. You don’t know how much pain they are going through, how much trauma they are going through, how much fear they have in their mind. You don’t know how much they are fighting for their life. You don’t know how much they are praying to God to give them one more chance to live. You don’t know how much they are struggling to survive. You don’t know how much they are hoping for a miracle. You don’t know how much they are suffering.”

She also said that there were many other ways to create and spread awareness about cervical cancer, and that Poonam Pandey should have done it in a more sensible and respectful manner. She said, “There are so many ways to create awareness. You can make videos, you can make posters, you can make campaigns, you can make events, you can make donations, you can make appeals, you can make speeches, you can make interviews, you can make documentaries, you can make stories, you can make songs, you can make anything. But please don’t make fun of someone’s pain. Please don’t make fun of someone’s death. Please don’t make fun of someone’s disease. Please don’t make fun of someone’s life.”

What is cervical cancer and how can it be prevented and treated?

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that affects the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a common sexually transmitted infection that can affect both men and women. HPV can cause abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix, which can lead to cervical cancer over time. Cervical cancer is one of the most common and deadly cancers among women, especially in developing countries, where it accounts for nearly 90% of the deaths due to cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer can be prevented and treated by following some simple steps, such as:

• Getting vaccinated against HPV, which can protect against the most common and high-risk strains of the virus that cause cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine is recommended for girls and boys in the age group of 9-14 years, and can be given in two or three doses, depending on the age and the type of the vaccine.
• Getting screened regularly for cervical cancer, which can detect any abnormal changes or precancerous lesions in the cervix, and treat them before they become cancerous. The screening tests include the Pap smear and the HPV test, which can be done at a health care provider or a clinic. The screening frequency and the age range depend on the individual risk factors and the guidelines of the country or the region.
• Practicing safe sex and avoiding multiple sexual partners, which can reduce the exposure and the transmission of HPV and other sexually transmitted infections that can increase the risk of cervical cancer. Using condoms and other barrier methods can also help prevent the spread of HPV and other infections.
• Leading a healthy lifestyle and avoiding smoking, which can boost the immune system and lower the risk of cervical cancer. Smoking can damage the cells of the cervix and make them more vulnerable to HPV and other infections. Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress can also improve the overall health and well-being.