Harnaaz Sandhu made history when she was crowned Miss Universe 2021 on Monday — beating contestants from 80 countries 21 years after India last won the title.
Prior to Sandhu, only two Indians had won the title of Miss Universe – actors Sushmita Sen and Lara Dutta.
This year’s 70th edition of the pageant was held in Eilat, Israel, where the 21-year-old won the title.
Currently pursuing a master’s degree in public administration, Chandigarh’s model was crowned by her predecessor Andrea Meza of Mexico, who won the pageant in 2020.
She defeated Miss Paraguay Nadia Ferreira and Miss South Africa Lalela Mswane to take the crown from the reigning Miss Universe, Andrea Meza. Harnaaz Sandhu won out over 80 contestants from all corners of the globe.
In the final round of questions and answers, Sandhu was asked what advice she would give young women about dealing with the pressures they face today.
“The biggest pressure the youth of today is facing is to believe in themselves, to know that you are unique and that’s what makes you beautiful. Stop comparing yourselves with others and let’s talk about more important things that’s happening worldwide.”
“This is what you need to understand. Come out, speak for yourselves because you are the leader of your life, you are the voice of your own. I believed in myself and that’s why I am standing here today,” she said to a thundering applause.
Bollywood actress Lara Dutta Bhupathi congratulates Indian contestant Harnaaz Sandhu on winning her 21st Miss Universe crown. Dutta, a former Miss Universe brought home the title the last time in 2000.
Sandhu’s historic win excited Lara Dutta, who congratulated her in a tweet: ‘Congratulations @HarnaazSandhu03 !!!! Welcome to the club!!! We’ve waited 21 long years for this!!! You make us SO SO proud!!! A billion dreams come true!!! @MissDivaOrg @MissUniverse’
Priyanka Chopra, the former Miss World 2000 and Bollywood star, also congratulated Sandhu on winning the crown after two decades ‘And the new Miss Universe is … Miss India ✨👏 Congratulations @HarnaazSandhu03 … bringing the crown home after 21 years!’
Who is Harnaaz Sandhu, Miss Universe 2021?
Model Harnaaz Sandhu hails from Chandigarh, where she attended school and college. She has been in the fashion industry for many years and has even starred in films such as Yaara Diyan Poo Baran and Bai Ji Kuttange. She is a proponent of women’s rights and draws inspiration from Priyanka Chopra. Yoga, dancing, cooking, horseback riding, chess, and horseback riding are a few of the things she enjoys in her spare time.
As a teenager, Harnaaz participated in pageants, winning titles such as Miss Chandigarh 2017 and Miss Max Emerging Star India 2018. Following her victory as Femina Miss India Punjab 2019, Sandhu competed at Femina Miss India.
The Miss Universe 2021 is a nature-lover too. She impressed the panellists of Miss Diva with her views about global warming and environmental protection. Harnaaz strongly believes in global warming and climate change. Along with holding the Miss Universe title, she is studying public administration for her master’s degree.
Harnaaz Sandhu Image Gallery
Harnaaz Sandhu Childhood Photos
