Poonam Pandey says pregnancy claim was April Fool’s prank
MUMBAI — Actor and model Poonam Pandey has said her recent claim of being pregnant was an April Fool’s Day prank, clarifying that the announcement was not real after it quickly gained attention online.
Pandey had posted photos on Instagram on March 31 showing what appeared to be a baby bump, sparking speculation among followers. The images featured her with her T-shirt rolled up, accompanied by emojis of a pregnant woman, a baby bottle, and a child.
In a video shared on April 1, she addressed the reaction, saying, “Guys, thank you so much for your lovely wishes. But I’m not pregnant. Guys, today is April Fool’s Day.”
“It was a prank. There’s a war going on. The whole world is in stress. I thought I’d entertain you guys a little. I’m Theri Poonam Pandey. It’s my right to shock you. Don’t take life so seriously. Just chill. Right? April Fool’s Day I’m so angry.”
The clarification comes after initial reports and online reactions fueled speculation about her personal life.
Pandey has previously drawn controversy over publicity stunts. In February 2024, a post on her official Instagram account claimed she had died from cervical cancer. A day later, she revealed the claim was staged as part of a campaign to raise awareness about the disease, prompting widespread criticism.
She first gained attention through social media, where she shared bold and provocative content, and rose to prominence after promising to strip for the Indian cricket team if it won the 2011 Cricket World Cup.
In 2017, she launched a mobile app featuring adult-oriented content.
Pandey married Sam Ahmed Bombay in 2020 in a private ceremony during the COVID-19 pandemic. She later filed a complaint accusing him of molestation, threats, and assault. He was arrested in Goa following the incident, which reportedly occurred while she was filming in Canacona. The couple later separated, and she has described the relationship as traumatic, citing allegations of severe physical abuse.
Pandey was most recently seen on the reality show “Lock Upp: Badass Jail, Atyaachari Khel!” hosted by Kangana Ranaut, where Munawar Faruqui won the competition. (Source: IANS)
