While she claimed the goal was noble, the stunt was widely condemned by celebrities and netizens as a distasteful and insensitive publicity ploy .

The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) called for an FIR against her for exploiting a serious disease for PR. 2. The 2026 "Baby Bump" Speculation

The following morning, she posted a video titled "I am alive," clarifying that she had staged her death to raise awareness for cervical cancer .

On the morning of February 2, 2024, Pandey's official Instagram account posted a statement claiming she had died of cervical cancer .