After more than 20 years, an Indian wins the Miss Universe 2021 title. Only two Indians before Sandhu won the title of Miss Universe – Sushmita Sen (1994) and Lara Dutta (2000).
Harnaaz Sandhu’s win as the 70th Miss Universe 2021 is a source of blessing for India. Miss Paraguay (Nadia Ferreira) and Miss South Africa (Lalela Mswane) were up against her before she finally took the lead and made the country proud with her performance at the beauty pageant.
This amazing beauty pageant was held in the resort city of Eilat, with 79 worldwide women competing for the crown. Sunday night was the last day of the competition, with eliminations narrowing down the number of finalists until the last two remained.
The new Miss Universe 2021 was born into a Sikh family and she hails from Chandigarh, a yoga enthusiast, and fitness lover Harnaaz started her journey in her teens. In 2017, she won Times Fresh Face, later in 2018 she claimed the title of Miss Max Emerging Star India. In 2021, she won the LIVA Miss Diva Universe 2021 title and now the Miss Universe 2021.
Sandhu is also currently working as an actress. She has done two Punjabi feature films that will be released soon, including “Yaara Diyan Poo Baran” and “Bai Ji Kuttange“. She said that when working as an actress she prefers choosing strong characters because she wants to “break stereotypes of what women are and what they can be.”
“I hope I get to inspire people by following my passion and my heart,” she added.
In a speech during the competition, Sandhu revealed an advice for young women today.
“I think the biggest pressure the youth of today is facing is to believe in themselves,” she told Steve Harvey.
She also urged young people “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 are happening worldwide. I think this is what you need to understand. Come out, speak for yourself, because you are the leader of your life. You are the voice of your own.”
“I believed in myself,” she added. “And that’s why I’m standing here today.” She added, to loud applause from the audience.
Moreover, the actress and model spoke about how she’d convince people that climate change isn’t a hoax.
“Honestly, my heart breaks to see how nature is going through a lot of problems, and it’s all due to our irresponsible behaviour,” she said. “This is the time to take actions and talk less, because each action could either kill or save nature. Prevent and protect is better than repent and repair, and this is what I’m trying to convince you guys today.”
