New Delhi: Actor-model Harnaaz Sandhu made history on Monday as she was crowned Miss Universe 2021. The 21-year-old from Punjab bagged the title after beating contestants from 80 countries. The last time India brought home the title was in 2000 when actor Lara Dutta was crowned as the Miss Universe.
The Miss Universe title has been won by Indians, only twice, with actors Sushmita Sen and Lara Dutta, claiming the crown in 1994 and 2000, respectively.
The 70th edition of the event was held in Eilat, Israel, where the 21-year-old Harnaaz Sandhu, bagged the coveted pageant.
Harnaaz is a Chandigarh-based model, who is pursuing her master's degree in public administration. She was crowned by her predecessor Andrea Meza of Mexico, who won the pageant in 2020. Paraguay's Nadia Ferreira, 22, and South Africa's Lalela Mswane, 24 became the first and second runner-ups.
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 are 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 thundering applause.
Sandhu began her journey in pageantry by winning Times Fresh Face in 2017, when she represented Chandigarh at the age of 17. She later won the LIVA Miss Diva Universe 2021 title.
The Miss Universe has also worked in a few Punjabi films, including "Yaara Diyan Poo Baran" and "Bai Ji Kuttange".
The Miss Universe 2021 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 L Lopez, Adriana Lima, Cheslie Kryst, Iris Mittenaere, Lori Harvey, Marian Rivera, and Rena Sofer.