Indian beauty queens have been awarded the coveted title of ‘Miss World’ quite a few times in history. But we were able to bring home the crown of ‘Miss Universe’ only twice, till now.
Well, breaking this 21-year-old spell, Chandigarh’s Harnaaz Sandhu made us proud and won the title of ‘Miss Universe 2021’ at the 70th Miss Universe 2021, held in Israel, reported News18.
The 21-year-old actor and model is only the third Indian, after Sushmita Sen (1994) and Lara Dutta, to own the title. Lara Dutta was bestowed with the crown back in the year 2000. Incidentally, Sandhu was born the year Dutta won the crown.
“I am immensely grateful to the Almighty, my parents, and the Miss India Organization for guiding and supporting me throughout. Loads of love to everyone who prayed and wished the crown for me,” an elated Sandhu was quoted as saying by NDTV.
Calling her family, “My strength, my lifelines” she shared this photo on her IG stories.
When during her final round she was asked ‘what advice would she give to young women on how to deal with the pressure they face today.’ This is what she responded with.
“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.”
No better way to start the week than by hearing this… #MissUniverse #MissUniverse2021 #HarnaazSandhu #india
pic.twitter.com/moyhkhTudW— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) December 13, 2021
Here’s her winning moment:
View this post on Instagram
As soon as this good news made headlines, several celebs including Priyanka Chopra and Lara Dutta congratulated her.
Congratulations @HarnaazSandhu03 !!!! Welcome to the club!!! We’ve waited 21 long years for this!!! You make us SO SO proud!!! A billion dreams come true!!! @MissDivaOrg @MissUniverse
— Lara Dutta Bhupathi (@LaraDutta) December 13, 2021
Sandhu kick-started her pageantry journey back in 2017 by winning the ‘Times Fresh Face’ award at just 17 years of age.
View this post on Instagram
Soon after, she was crowned with ‘LIVA Miss Diva Universe 2021’ title from where her journey to be ‘Miss Universe’ started.
View this post on Instagram
The beauty queen is currently pursuing her master’s degree in public administration and also has a couple of Punjabi films lined up to be released next year.
Congratulations, girl!