Harnaaz Sandhu brought fame to the country as she was named the 70th Miss Universe in December 2021, 21 years after Lara Dutta won the pageant. During her reign, she pushed for a number of critical social issues, with menstrual equity being her top goal. However, the moment has come to pass the torch to the next winner, who will be crowned on January 14, 2023.
With only a few days left, the model and actor from Chandigarh sat down to answer some often-asked questions. Harnaaz exposed it all in a candid video shared on the Miss Universe YouTube site, from dealing with nasty comments to her learnings as Miss Universe.
"The most challenging and easiest method for me to acquire and keep confidence was to believe in myself," she said when asked how one might build and retain confidence. I believe everyone feels the same way. To be yourself, don't be frightened by someone else's strength or weakness. Everyone comes from a variety of backgrounds and circumstances. You're here for yourself, so take advantage of it."
The most important lesson she learned was to listen to her heart rather than the others around her. "When you look back, you have to be happy and satisfied with who you've become. "You have to let it go, believe in yourself, and be consistent," she stated.
Unfortunately, Harnaaz's weight gain made headlines last year. How did she handle it? "Is there any venom? Sorry, but there is no such word in my dictionary. You must understand that this is me. I am stunning, and I intend to own it. It doesn't matter if I look different or if I'm not gorgeous in your opinion. "I'm here to represent myself, and you can't define who I am," she explained.
The 22-year-old then disclosed her favourite spots in India, which is, no surprise, her hometown of Chandigarh. "I really love Chandigarh. It is one of India's cleanest cities. It is quite well-organized, and the cuisine is delicious. Amritsar is another place I enjoy visiting. Amritsar ka maza hawa-paani hi alag hai."
"If you haven't gone to Amritsar, I really advise you to go because it's a game changer," she remarked.
While there is no getting around it, losing the crown can be a bittersweet experience for a pageant winner. "I am trying to prepare myself because you are never ready for it," Harnaaz said of the situation. Everyone I've worked with in the Miss Universe organisation so far has been empowering, kind, and understanding. I will be eternally thankful, and I will miss you terribly. But that's what happens when you pass your crown at the end of the day. You are a strong, independent woman who keeps her word. That's what it's teaching us all. I feel bad, but more than that, I will miss the organisation."
The Miss Universe beauty pageant will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2023, in New Orleans, Louisiana.