Harnaaz Sandhu is Miss Universe ’21
India wins crown after 21 years
Actor-model Harnaaz Sandhu from India has been crowned Miss Universe 2021, bringing home the title after a gap of 21 years. Earlier, Sushmita Sen won the title in 1994 and Lara Dutta in 2000. The 21-year-old Harnaaz bagged the coveted title at the 70th edition of the event held in Eilat.
The Chandigarh-based model, who is pursuing her Master’s degree in Public Administration, was crowned by Andrea Meza of Mexico, who won the pageant in 2020. While Paraguay’s Nadia Ferreira, 22, finished second, South Africa’s Lalela Mswane, 24, came third. During the final question and answer round, Sandhu 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 said to a thunderous applause. At another Q&A session, when Sandhu had reached the top 5, she took the opportunity to spread a message on climate change. “This is the time to take action and talk less. Prevent and protect is better than repent and repair,” she said.
After her win was announced, she celebrated with other contestants on stage, shouting to a camera, “Chak de Phatte India,” a Punjabi phrase that means “Let’s do this, India!”
Sandhu has worked in a few Punjabi films, including Yaara Diyan Poo Baran and Kuttange.
#JaiHind
Lara Dutta
Bhupathi: Congratulations @Harnaaz
Sandhu03 !!!! 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: And the new Miss Universe is… Miss India SparklesClapping hands sign Congratulations @HarnaazSandhu03 … bringing the crown home after 21 years!