Poonam Pandey Attends Ganpati and Mata Ki Chowki Celebrations

Poonam Pandey was recently spotted attending a Ganpati celebration and a Mata ki Chowki event organized by an NGO, dressed modestly in a deep purple suit. The model and actress took her time to pose for cameras and was also seen offering prayers and seeking blessings from the idols, marking a visibly spiritual moment amidst a festive setting.

While her public appearances often stir debate, Pandey made headlines this time for a heartwarming act — donating a wheelchair to a specially-abled individual during the religious function. The gesture was captured by photographers and drew praise from a segment of social media users, who acknowledged the thoughtful act in the middle of an otherwise celebratory gathering.

This appearance comes months after one of the most controversial moments in Poonam Pandey’s public life. In February 2024, her manager announced via Instagram that she had died of cervical cancer — only for Pandey herself to appear in a video the next day, revealing it was a hoax intended to raise awareness about the disease and promote HPV vaccination. While the campaign succeeded in sparking a significant rise in online cervical cancer awareness and vaccine inquiries, it also triggered widespread criticism for its insensitive execution.

The backlash was sharp, with many from the medical community, cancer survivors, and the general public condemning the stunt as exploitative and tone-deaf. Mental health advocates and public health experts noted that while the cause was noble, the approach risked damaging public trust and hurting individuals who have experienced personal losses to cancer.

Despite the lingering controversy, Pandey’s recent public activities suggest a turn toward community engagement and image rehabilitation. Whether this signals a genuine shift or a strategic move remains to be seen, but her appearance at these spiritual events and the symbolic act of giving may be an attempt to reconnect with audiences through compassion and sincerity.