Harnaaz Sandhu was crowned Miss Universe 2021, 21 years after the last Indian won the pageant. Paraguay’s Nadia Ferreira was the runner-up and South African Lalela mswane came third. 

The previously reigning Miss Universe, Andrea Meza of Mexico, crowned her successor, a Bollywood actress, in the Israeli Red Sea resort town of Eilat. 

Also read: You are the leader of your life: Miss Universe 2021 winner Harnaaz Sandhu

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The pageant included traditional displays of national costumes, swimwear and a series of interview questions to test contestants’ public speaking skills. The top 10 showed off intricately bedazzled full-length gowns in either gold, silver or bronze. The Philippines’ Beatrice Luigi Gomez wore an asymmetrical cut dress with one sleeve, highlighting a new tattoo she said “celebrates her womanhood.”

Also read: Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Sandhu on facing body shaming, bullying as a child

Only two Indians before Sandhu have won the title of Miss Universe – actors Sushmita Sen in 1994 and Lara Dutta in 2000.

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’s 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 a thundering applause.

  Also Read | Hope my win inspires many Indian girls in India, US: Miss World America Shree Saini

Before being titled Miss Diva Universe 2021, she won the title for Miss Max Emerging Star India in 2018 and later became Femina Miss India Punjab 2019. Harnaaz sees former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen and Lara Dutta as inspirations as they have represented India beautifully on this platform.

The 21-year-old winner is currently pursuing her master’s degree in public administration and holds a strong affinity towards acting, dancing, swimming, and horse riding. She describes herself as a quick learner, versatile, compassionate, and confident, who carries her passion with a headstrong attitude towards achieving her goals.

With inputs from the Associated Press