All Indian Cine Workers Association President Suresh Shyamlal Gupta criticized actress Poonam Pandey on social media calling her death a hoax. The stunt was meant to raise awareness about cervical cancer, but Gupta labelled it "cheap publicity".

On February 2, a post on Pandey's official Instagram account announced her death from cervical cancer, leading to widespread confusion and concern among her followers. The next day, Pandey posted a video clarifying that the ad was a hoax aimed at drawing attention to cervical cancer awareness.

Gupta demanded strict action against Pandey for what he termed a misleading and ambiguous publicity stunt.