Actor-model Harnaaz Sandhu, on Monday, was crowned Miss Universe 2021. she brought 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 event was held in Eilat, Israel, where the Chandigarh-based model bagged the coveted pageant.
The 21-year-old, who is pursuing her master's degree in public administration, was crowned by her predecessor 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. "I am immensely grateful to the Almighty, my parents, and the Miss India Organisation for guiding and supporting me throughout. Loads of love to everyone who prayed and wished the crown for me," Sandhu said. Her Miss Universe delegate bio says that Sandhu draws inspiration from her mother, who “broke generations of patriarchy to become a successful gynaecologist and led her family”.
“Driven to support other women the same way, Harnaaz grew up working with her mother at health camps addressing women’s health and menstrual hygiene,” the bio reads. Sandhu is known to love yoga, dancing, cooking, horse riding, and playing chess. Sandhu won her first pageant title of Miss Chandigarh in 2017. An actor by profession, Sandhu is inspired by Priyanka Chopra. Sandhu has starred in Punjabi films, Yaara Diyan Poo Baran and Bai Ji Kuttange.
Harnaaz also won the Miss Max Emerging Star India 2018 and Femina Miss India Punjab 2019. a nature lover, Sandhu had strong opinions on global warming and climate change. "My heart breaks to see how nature is going through a lot of problems, and it is all due to our irresponsible behaviour. I totally feel that this is the time to take action and talk less. Because our every action could save or kill nature. Prevent and protect is better than repent and repair and this is what I am trying to convince you guys today," she said to a question on climate change. Sandhu is also known to have supported Smile Train, an international charity that sponsors cleft repair surgery for children.