Model Harnaaz Sandhu was crowned Miss Universe 2021 on Monday, 21 years after Lara Dutta won the title in 2000.
Sandhu hails from Punjab, was born in Chandigarh and represented India at the 70th Miss Universe 2021, which was held in Eliat, Israel.
She was crowned by her predecessor Andrea Meza of Mexico, making her only the third Indian to have won Miss Universe title after Sushmita Sen in 1994 and Lara Dutta in 2000.
21-year-old Sandhu’s delegate bio reads ‘In her spare time, Harnaaz enjoys the company of friends, loves yoga, dancing, cooking, horse riding, and playing chess. She is a water baby and never misses a chance to jump into a pool to rejuvenate herself. She believes in the saying – Great things happen to those who don’t stop believing, trying, learning, and being grateful’
‘I am immensely grateful to the Almighty, my parents, and the Miss India Organization for guiding and supporting me throughout. Loads of love to everyone who prayed and wished the crown for me,’ Sandhu said, on her win.
Sandhu beat Miss Paraguay Nadia Ferreira, followed by Miss South Africa Lalela Mswane to the title and was congratulated by former Miss Universe Dutta for the win.
When asked during the Q&A what advice she would give to young women on how to deal with the pressure they face today. She replied ‘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’
Harnaaz, who is an actor by profession, having worked in Punjabi films like Yaara Diyan Poo Baran and Bai Ji Kuttange. Sandhu is also pursuing her master’s degree in public administration and cites Priyanka Chopra as an inspiration.
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