Jerusalem: Actor-model Harnaaz Sandhu made history on Monday as she was crowned Miss Universe 2021 — beating contestants from 80 countries — 21 years after India last brought home the title.
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 21-year-old bagged the coveted pageant.
The Chandigarh-based model, 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.
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 thundering applause.
Sandhu 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 ceremony was hosted by Steve Harvey and saw performances from American singer JoJo.
Mexico’s Andrea Meza, the reigning queen, passed on her crown to the new successor. After being crowned, Harnaaz could be seen celebrating on the stage with her fellow contestants.
Expressing pride in the country’s win, Harnaaz said, Chak de phatte India, chak de phatte.
The 21-year-old Chandigarh-based model has previously bagged numerous pageant titles including LIVA Miss Diva Universe 2021 and Femina Miss India Punjab 2019.
Sandhu began competing in pageantry as a teenager. In 2021, she was qualified as one of the top 50 semifinalist in Miss Diva 2021. In August, she was selected among top 20 finalists.
During her speech, Sandhu introduced herself, ‘From a young girl with fragile mental health who faced bullying and body shaming to a woman who emerged like a phoenix, realising her true potential. From an individual who once doubted her own existence to a woman who is aspiring to inspire the youth. Today, I stand proudly in front of the Universe as a courageous, vivacious and a compassionate woman who is all set to lead a life with a purpose, and to leave behind a remarkable legacy.’