Poonam Pandey death: Bollywood actor dies after cervical cancer diagnosis aged 32

Update, 3 February 2024: The day after this story was published, it was revealed that Poonam Pandey had not died, but had announced her death as a publicity stunt to raise awareness of cervical cancer screenings

Bollywood actor and model Poonam Pandey has died from cervical cancer at the age of 32, according to a statement shared on social media that has shocked her fans.

Her team shared a post on Pandey’s Instagram account, which has over 1.3 million followers, on Friday (2 February), 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.”

The news was later confirmed by Pandey’s manager Nikita Sharma, in a statement to NDTV.

“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,” Sharma reportedly said.

Originally from Kanpur, India, Pandey relocated to the country’s entertainment capital Mumbai when she made her Bollywood debut with the 2013 film Nasha (Intoxication).

In the erotic thriller movie, she played the lead role of Anita, a drama teacher who engages in a controversial romantic relationship with a student.

She last appeared in the first season of Indian reality show Lock Upp, hosted by actor Kangana Ranaut, in 2022. The show follows 19 “misunderstood” or controversial celebrities who must rough it out in a makeshift “prison” while completing various tasks to be set free.

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In the wake of Pandey’s death, several celebrities – including Bollywood star Ranaut – paid tribute to her on social media.

Writing on her Instagram Stories, Ranaut wrote: “This is so sad. Losing a young woman to cancer is a catastrophe.”

Stand-up comedian and Pandey’s fellow “inmate” on Lock Upp, Munawar Faruqui tweeted: “Can’t process the news. Poonam was a great human being. Sad. RIP.”

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Actor-filmmaker Pooja Bhatt also took to X, formerly known as Twitter, writing, “So tragic to hear about Poonam Pandey. I had never met her, but when life claims someone so young it is always devastating.

“My prayers and deepest condolences to her family, friends and everyone whose life she impacted.”

During her decade-long career in the entertainment industry, Pandey also appeared in films such as Love is Poison, Malini & Co, and The Journey of Karma while also pursuing a career as a model and social media influencer.

She married filmmaker Sam Bombay on 10 September 2020 but their relationship later became embroiled in a domestic abuse case.

Two months after they tied the knot, Pandey accused Bombay of physical assault, leading to his arrest in Goa.

In a statement to India Today at the time, police confirmed: “Actress Poonam Pandey’s husband, Sam Bombay, was arrested yesterday in Mumbai after the actress complained that he assaulted her. Poonam Pandey was admitted to a hospital.”

A week after she filed the domestic abuse case against Bombay, it was reported the pair had reconciled and were back together.

“We are trying to iron out things and have more or less sorted it all out,” she told The Times of India. “We are back together. You know what? We both love each other too much. We are madly in love. And, which shaadi (marriage) does not have its ups and downs?”

Pandey sparked controversy when it was reported she had been arrested for violating Covid lockdown protocols during the early months of the pandemic.

She refuted the claims in a video posted on her Instagram account, with Pandey explaining she was “having a movie marathon” at home and had not broken any lockdown rules.

The Press Trust of India (PTI) initially reported Pandey and Bombay had been booked by the Mumbai police for breaking the rules of the nationwide lockdown and going out for a drive.

“Hey guys, I had a movie marathon last night. I watched three movies back-to-back, it was fun,” Pandey said in an Instagram video. “I have been getting calls since last night that I am arrested and I am seeing that in the news as well.

“Guys, please don’t write that about me. I am home and I am perfectly fine. Love you all.”

In 2022, the Supreme Court of India granted Pandey protection from arrest after she was accused in a major porn film racketing case.