India’s Harnaaz Sandhu crowned Miss Universe 2021

India’s Harnaaz Sandhu is the winner of the coveted Miss Universe title in 2021. The 21-year-old from Punjab was declared winner at the 70th Miss Universe event, held in Eilat, Israel.




She edged out Paraguay’s Nadia Ferreira and South Africa’s Lalela Mswane to claim the crown. Notably, the title has come to India 21 years after Lara Dutta won the beauty pageant competition.

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

— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) December 13, 2021

Andrea Meza, former Miss Universe 2020 from Mexico, presented the crown to Sandhu at the event which was live-streamed globally.

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. She is pursuing her master’s degree in public administration

Sandhu has also worked in a few Punjabi films, including “Yaara Diyan Poo Baran” and “Bai Ji Kuttange”.

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The ceremony was hosted by Steve Harvey and saw performances from American singer JoJo.

The selection committee included actor and Miss Universe India 2015 Urvashi Rautela, Adamari Lpez, Adriana Lima, Cheslie Kryst, Iris Mittenaere, Lori Harvey, Marian Rivera and Rena Sofer.
(with agency inputs)