The Miss Universe 2021 pageant began with a boom… and a meow. Many viewers were surprised when host Steve Harvey requested one of the top 16 finalists to perform her best animal impersonation. Trust Harnaaz Sandhu to take it in a stride though.

Miss India Harnaaz Sandhu was a tad bit surprised as Harvey told her, “I hear you do some pretty good animal impersonations. Let’s hear your best one.” 

“I have to do this, I have no other option,” she joked. 

Sandu stated that she would do her best to imitate a cat because she adored them.

“Brace yourself everyone,” she warned, before letting out a few “meows.” 

Sandhu, 21, is an advocate of women’s empowerment who has accompanied her mother to camps to teach women about health and hygiene. 

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

The pageant queen is now working as an actress, and she told Insider that she has two Punjabi feature films coming up shortly.

Sandhu stated that she likes strong roles because she wants to challenge herself and “break stereotypes of what women are and what they can be.” 

“I hope I get to inspire people by following my passion and my heart,” she added.

All candidates had to answer the same question during the Top 3 round. They were asked, “What advice would you give to young women watching on how to deal with the pressures they face today?”

Harnaaz said, “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’s 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 [life]. I believe in myself and that’s why I’m standing here today. Thank you.”

Before Harnaaz, only two Indians had won Miss Universe: actresses Sushmita Sen in 1994 and Lara Dutta in 2000. 

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

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.