Harnaaz who is 21-years old, hails from Punjab. She beat Paraguay’s Nadia Ferreira and South Africa’s Lalela Mswane to win the Miss Universe 2021. With this, Harnaaz become the third Indian to win the title, after Sushmita Sen who won it in 1994 and Lara Dutta who won it in 2000.
The new Miss Universe is…India!!!! #MISSUNIVERSE pic.twitter.com/DTiOKzTHl4
— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) December 13, 2021
Ms Sandhu was presented the title by former Miss Universe 2020 Andrea Meza, from Mexico. On being asked what advice she would give to young women on how to deal with the pressures they face, a composed Ms Sandhu said, “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.”
FINAL STATEMENT: India. #MISSUNIVERSE
The 70th MISS UNIVERSE Competition is airing LIVE around the world from Eilat, Israel on @foxtv pic.twitter.com/wwyMhsAyvd
— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) December 13, 2021
Ms Sandhu, who started her journey in pageantry at the age of 17, has previously been crowned Miss Diva 2021, Femina Miss India Punjab 2019 and was even placed in the Top 12 at Femina Miss India 2019.She has also worked in Punjabi films like “Yaara Diyan Poo Baran” and “Bai Ji Kuttange”. This is truly a prestigious moment for India and Indians!
