Actor-model Harnaaz Sandhu made history as she was crowned Miss Universe 2021. Sandhu beat contestants from 80 countries to bring back home the title after 21 years. Only two Indians before Sandhu have won the title of Miss Universe – actors Sushmita Sen in 1994 and Lara Dutta in 2000.
The 70th edition of the pageant was held in Eilat, Israel, where the 21-year-old bagged the esteemed crown. The Chandigarh-based model, who is pursuing her master’s degree in public administration, was crowned by her predecessor Andrea Meza of Mexico.
While Paraguay’s Nadia Ferreira, 22, came second, South Africa’s Lalela Mswane, 24, finished third. During the final question and answer round, Harnaaz was asked what advice would she give to young women on how to deal with the pressure 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 answered.
The beauty queen started her journey in pageantry when she won Times Fresh Face in 2017, representing Chandigarh at the age of 17. She later won the LIVA Miss Diva Universe 2021 title.
Sandhu has also worked in a few Punjabi films, including “Yaara Diyan Poo Baran” and “Bai Ji Kuttange”.
The event was hosted by Steve Harvey and saw performances from American singer JoJo. The selection committee included actor and Miss Universe India 2015 Urvashi Rautela, Adamari Lpez, Adriana Lima, Cheslie Kryst, Iris Mittenaere, Lori Harvey, Marian Rivera and Rena Sofer.
