The 21-year-old Harnaaz Sandhu has made all of India proud by winning the 70th edition of the coveted Miss Universe title after 21 years. Paraguay’s Nadia Ferreira was the first runner up and South Africa’s Lalena Mswane appeared as the second runner up.

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With the win, Harnaaz Sandhu has joined the likes of Sushmita Sen and Lara Dutta who have previously won the title for India.

Elated with her victory, Harnaaz Sandhu said in a statement, “I am immensely grateful to the Almighty, my parents and the Miss India Organization for guiding and supporting me throughout. Loads of love to everyone who prayed and wished the crown for me. Bringing the glorious crown back after 21 years to India is a moment of greatest pride.”

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The event was hosted by Steve Harvey and was held at Eilat, Israel. India’s Urvashi Rautela was one of the judges at the beauty pageant. 

Harnaaz was crowned Miss Universe India 2021 in October. Currently, the 21-year-old is working on her Master’s degree in Public Administration.

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When Harnaaz Sandhu was just 17 years old, she began competing in beauty pageants. Miss Diva 2021, Femina Miss India Punjab 2019, and Femina Miss India 2019 were among her prior titles. She was also a finalist in the Femina Miss India 2019 competition, finishing in the Top 12.

The Miss Universe pageant streamed in India exclusively on Voot Select.