Meet Harnaaz Sandhu, Who Won the Miss Universe Title for India after 21 Years

The 21-year-old model from Chandigarh, won the Miss Universe contest today, held in Eilat, Israel. She brought the crown to India 21 years after Lara Dutta had won it in 2000. 

Harnaaz was crowned Miss Universe 2021 as she beat Paraguay's Nadia Ferreira and South Africa's Lalela Mswane. Only two Indians have won the title of Miss Universe before Harnaaz Sandhu - actors Sushmita Sen in 1994 and Lara Dutta in 2000.  

As the nation rejoices her win, here are a few little known facts about Harnaaz that will help you get to know her better.

1. Harnaaz Sandhu has won several beauty pageants in the past. She has been crowned Miss Diva 2021 and Femina Miss India Punjab 2019. Harnaaz, in fact, was also placed in the Top 12 at Femina Miss India 2019.

2. Harnaaz Sandhu has also worked in Punjabi films such as and is currently pursuing her Masters degree in Public Administration from Chandigarh. 

3. Her mother, Ravinder Sandhu, is a doctor. She is currently working as the SMO Senior Medical Officer at Sohana Hospital. Her father PS Sandhu is in the real estate business.

4. As a part of the Top 3 round, the contestants were asked, “What advice would you give to young women watching on how to deal with the pressures they face today?"

Harnaaz’s answer that got her the crown was: “Well, I think 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. 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 [life]. I believe in myself and that's why I'm standing here today. Thank you.”

The new Miss Universe is...India!!!! #MISSUNIVERSE pic.twitter.com/DTiOKzTHl4

— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) December 13, 2021

5. She started her journey as a model when she was only 17 years old. 

6. As per her Miss Universe delegate bio, Harnaaz, a Punjabi, draws inspiration from her mother, who “broke generations of patriarchy to become a successful gynecologist and led her family”.