Meet Harnaaz Sandhu: The Miss Universe 2021

India’s 21-year-long wait for the Miss Universe title has finally come to an end. Harnaaz Sandhu was crowned as Miss Universe 2021. This title was previously one by Lara Dutta way back in 2000. She is now the third Indian woman to hold this title. The 21-year old model expressed her gratitude for this honour on her social media with an inspiring post. The pageant was held in Eilat, Israel with close to 80 models from all over the world eying the coveted title. Sandhu defeated the contestants from Paraguay and South Africa in the finals, for which she was presented the iconic Miss Universe crown by the preceding title-holder, Andrea Meza of Mexico. Here is all you need to know about Harnaaz Sandhu. 

Who is Harnaaz Sandhu? 
Harnaaz Sandhu is a 21-year-old model and pageant title-holder hailing from Punjab. She completed her primary and secondary schooling in Chandigarh. Currently, she is pursuing her Master’s degree in Public Administration. Sandhu developed an interest in modelling while she was in high school, and since then, went on to participate in multiple pageants to try her luck. Adding to her modelling skills, Sandhu also explored acting and was a part of two Punjabi films like “Yaara Diyan Poo Baran” and “Bai ji Kuttange.” 

Sandhu’s pageantry experience 
The young model started adding titles to her pageantry catalogue while she was just a teenager. Some of her very first ones were Miss Ferozepur 2017 and Miss Max Emerging Star India 2018. Sandhu then went on to bag the title Femina Miss India Punjab, 2019 which catapulted her even further into the industry. After this, Sandhu was eligible to compete in Femina’s Miss India pageant where she emerged as a part of the Top 12 contestant roster. Recently, Sandhu was a semi-finalist in Miss Diva 2021 pageant.  

What does this title mean for Sandhu? 
Apart from having the significant honour of being Miss Universe as her legacy and the coveted crown (albeit for a short while), Sandhu will be rewarded with a staggering cash prize worth $250,000. Along with this, she will also be the recipient of a number of different sponsorships, brand deals and perks. The Miss Universe 2021 will also get the opportunity to stay at the Miss Universe apartment in New York for an entire year, with all expenses paid. During this period, she would have to attend charities, balls and gala events too.