Meet Harnaaz Sandhu: From a young Punjabi actress to the reigning Miss Universe

It is another historic win for India as Harnaaz Sandhu took home the crown at the 70th Miss Universe 2021 at Eilat, Israel, ending the country’s 21-year-long dry spell at the pageant.

The young winner, who celebrated on stage with the words ‘Chak De Phatte India’, is a familiar face on the entertainment circuit, having starred in several Punjabi films before trying her luck as a beauty queen. With the world’s eyes now on her with this historic win, we take a look at the new reigning Miss Universe.

What do we know about Harnaaz Sandhu?: The 21-year-old Chandigarh-based model has previously bagged numerous pageant titles including LIVA Miss Diva Universe 2021 and Femina Miss India Punjab 2019, while also starring in Punjabi films such as ‘Yaara Diyan Poo Baran’ and ‘Bai Ji Kuttange’ that are set to release in 2022.

What do we know about Sandhu’s early life?: According to the young model’s bio, her biggest inspiration is her mother, who she claimed broke generations of patriarchy to become a successful gynaecologist. In her Miss Universe biography, Sandhu said she was driven to support other women the same way and grew up working with her mother at health camps addressing women’s health and menstrual hygiene.

Deeply conscious of the privilege her mother’s struggles have gifted her, Sandhu said she is a strong advocate for women’s empowerment, particularly their constitutional rights to education, careers and their freedom of choice.

Has Sandhu also starred in Indian films?: Indeed, professionally, Sandhu is an actor with two Punjabi films slated for release in 2022. She hopes to essay characters in that break stereotypes that the world has of women. Her favourite actor is Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who was herself a former beauty queen, having won the Miss World title in the year 2000.

Does this mean Bollywood is on the cards for her as well?: Before setting out to Israel, Sandhu had said in media interviews that Bollywood is definitely something she aspired to work towards.

What does Sandhu want to do now that she’s won the crown?: Before setting out to Israel, Sandhu told IANS in an interview that she was going to make sure that she is the “best version of our country” and that she would make India proud this year. She also stated that she was looking forward to strengthening relations between Israel and India and was super excited about the challenge.

What’s her take on beauty pageants?: Sandhu believes that pageants are a platform where women come forward to celebrate sisterhood and womanhood, and people across the world celebrate their beauty queens and their successes with great pride. “According to me, it’s all about being true to the self and people around you will definitely look at that spark in you,” she told IANS.

What else do we know about Sandhu’s background?: In her spare time, Sandhu enjoys the company of friends, loves yoga, dancing, cooking, horse riding and playing chess. She believes in the saying — ‘Great things happen to those who don’t stop believing, trying, learning, and being grateful.’ The young beauty queen also claims she is a closet singer and can mimic almost anyone, including animals.

What cinched the crown for her?: While a favourite amongst a select few of contestants, it was perhaps the question and answer round that really cinched the crown for Sandhu. As part of the final question round, the top three contestants were asked: “What advice would you give to young women watching on how to deal with the pressures they face today?”

Sandhu’s answer turned into crowd-pleasing response. “Well, I think 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. I think this is what you need to understand. Come out, speak for yourself, 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 replied. The response helped her edge out the first runner up Miss Paraguay and the second runner up Miss South Africa to take home the win.

Why is this a historic moment for India?: Well, not only is Sandhu representing her country on a world stage, but her win also ends a 21-year-long dry spell that India has faced at the pageant. The coveted Miss Universe crown has only been won by India on two separate occasions: the first by Sushmita Sen who bagged the title in 1994 and the second time by Lara Dutta in 2000. Sandhu has now joined the league of these incredible women. In fact, following the win, Dutta took to her Twitter to congratulate Sandhu on this historic moment. “Congratulations @HarnaazSandhu03!!!! Welcome to the club!!! We’ve waited 21 long years for this!!! You make us SO SO proud!!! A billion dreams come true!!! @MissDivaOrg @MissUniverse,” she posted.

How many beauty pageants has India won over the years?: Aside from the three Miss Universe crowns mentioned above, India has also won six Miss World titles including Reita Faria (1966), Aishwarya Rai (1994), Diana Hayden (1997), Yukhta Mookhey (1999), Priyanka Chopra (2000) and Manushi Chhillar (2017). Dia Mirza also won the Miss Asia Pacific International title in 2000, while Nicole Faria won Miss Earth in 2010.