Five things to know about Harnaaz Sandhu Miss Universe 2021

Miss India Harnaaz Sandhu was crowned Miss Universe 2021 in Eilat, Israel on Sunday 12 December.
Miss India Harnaaz Sandhu was crowned Miss Universe at the pageant held in Israel. Andrea Meza (Miss Universe 2020) from Mexico presented her with the prestigious crown before she took her first walk as Miss Universe 2021.

Miss South Africa Lalela Mswane was crowned second runner-up and Miss Paraguay Nadia Ferreira first runner-up. So, who is our new Miss Universe? Here are five things to know about Harnaaz Sandhu.

1. HARNAAZ SANDHU IS A CHANDIGARH-BASED MODEL
   The new Miss Universe is a model hailing from Chandigarh, the capital of the northern Indian states of Punjab.

2. SHE IS ALSO AN ACTRESS
   Harnaaz has starred in films such as Yaara Diyan Poo Baran and Bai Ji Kuttange.

3. A HISTORIC WIN FOR INDIA
   Harnaaz takes the Miss Universe title home after 21 years. India has only won the Miss Universe title twice before – Lara Dutta (2000) and Sushmita Sen (1994).

4. MASTER OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION STUDENT
   Sharnaaz holds a Bachelor of Information Technology degree and she is currently pursuing her Master of Public Administration degree.

5. HARNAAZ HOLDS OTHER BEAUTY PAGEANT TITLES
   Harnaaz began competing in pageants since she was a teenager. The beauty queen won Miss Chandigarh 2017 and Miss Max Emerging Star India 2018.

She has also been crowned Miss Diva 2021 and Femina Miss India Punjab 2019.

“When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it and today, I am feeling this from the bottom of my heart. I am overwhelmed and extremely grateful to God for giving wings to my dreams, power to my voice and a purpose to my life,” she wrote on Instagram.

“The journey had its own set of ups and downs, highs and lows but what has always been firm in my mind is to represent INDIA at an International platform. I am filled with gratitude and I am still trying to sink in the feeling that Yes! Finally this has happened,” she continued.