Today the world knows Harnaaz Sandhu. And why not? After all, She has brought laurels to India by winning the coveted title of Miss Universe beating rivals from Paraguay and South Africa at an event hosted in Israel.
She came as a woman of substance when she urged people to, She added, “I believed in myself, and that’s why I’m standing here today. Know that you are unique and that’s what makes you beautiful, stop comparing yourself to others.”
It’s not that she exploded on the international scene all of a sudden but was a work in progress. She has some pretty notable achievements under her belt such as –
Miss Chandigarh 2017
Miss Max Emerging Star 2018
Femina Miss India 2019
Miss Diva 2021 Winner
She has been a beauty queen, model, and actress. Standing tall at 176 cms, Harnaaz was a natural when it came to facing the camera. Her meteoric rise was attributed to the cool-headed demeanor and some fabulous responses during Q & A sessions. When Harnaaz Sandhu had reached the top 5, she took the opportunity to spread a message on climate change. “This is the time to take action and talk less,” she said. “Prevent and protect is better than repent and repair.”
She was the cynosure of everyone and a darling of the crowd for her confidence and presence of mind, after her win was announced, she celebrated with other contestants on stage, shouting to a camera, “Chak de Phatte India,” a Punjabi exclamation similar in meaning to “Let’s do this, India!”
Finally, the crown came back to us after a long wait of 12 years, and that too in style. Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Sandhu, who won the title for India after 21 years made us bask in the glory and gave us a reason to feel pride in our girls. It was yet another defining moment in Harnaaz’s life when Miss Universe 2020 Andrea Meza from Mexico presented her with the prestigious crown. How confident bold and brilliant she emerged out apart from being beautiful. Let us know about her more.
WHO IS HARNAAZ SANDHU?
Harnaaz Sandhu Biography: All about Miss Universe 2021
Here’s the bird’s eye view of her birth, age, height, education, and other aspects.
| Birth | 3 March 2000 |
| Age | 21 years |
| Height | 5 ft 9 inch (1.76 m) |
| Weight | 58 kg |
| Education | Shivalik Public School, Chandigarh |
| Post Graduate Government College, Chandigarh | |
| Pursuing Master’s degree in Public Administration | |
| Titles | Femina Miss India Punjab 2019 |
| Miss Diva Universe 2021 | |
| Miss Universe 2021 | |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Physical Measurements | 36-24-36 |
| Full Name | Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu |
| Parents | Ravinder Kaur Sandhu (Mother)
Pritampal Singh Sandhu (Father) |
| Brother | Harnoor Singh |
| Quote that inspires | “Great things happen to those who don’t stop believing, trying, learning, and being grateful.” |
| Languages Known | English, Hindi, Punjabi |
| Hobbies | Yoga, Horse Riding, acting and Cooking |
| Religion | Sikh |
Harnaaz Sandhu: Miss Diva Universe 2021 winner
Sandhu was shortlisted in the Top 50 semifinalists of Miss Diva Universe 2021 on 16 August 2021. She comfortably entered the Top 20 finalists on 23 August 2021. She bagged the Miss Beautiful Skin award and was declared a finalist for Miss Beach Body, Miss Beautiful Smile, Miss Photogenic, and Miss Talented during the preliminary competition held on 22 September 2021.
Sandhu in her opening statement during the Miss Diva Universe 2021 grand finale said, “From a young girl with fragile mental health who faced bullying and body shaming to a woman who emerged like a phoenix, realising her true potential. From an individual who once doubted her own existence to a woman who is aspiring to inspire the youth. Today, I stand proudly in front of the Universe as a courageous, vivacious, and compassionate woman who is all set to lead a life with a purpose, and to leave behind a remarkable legacy.”
As soon as she was crowned she thanked everyone in her Instagram post, “ 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.”
During the final question round, she was asked, “What advice would you give to young women watching on how to deal with the pressures they face today?”
Pat came to her reply, “The biggest pressure the youth of today is facing, is to believe in themselves. To know that you are unique makes you beautiful. Stop comparing yourselves with others and let’s talk about more important things that are happening worldwide. 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 is why I am standing here today.”
Harnaaz Sandhu’s family’s reactions to her historic win
While Harnaaz was giving tough competition to the contestants, her mother was praying and performing ardaas at a gurudwara, Indian Express reported.
“She loves Makki ki roti and sarson da saag and I would treat her with the same when she comes home. I will make especially for her,” Harnaaz Sandhu’s mother Ravinder Kaur told the Indian Express correspondent.
Her brother, Harnoor too was interviewed by the Indian Express. He said, “It is such a proud moment. I can’t even express my feelings. Harnaaz remains calm most of the time and is very focused. She knew from her school days that she had to clinch this title. She always said that she wanted to do something different. She won Miss Chandigarh, Miss Punjab, and then it went on”.
From body-shamed to Miss Universe title: An inspiring story
Once body shamed, Harnaaz Sandhu is now at the top of the world. During her teenage years, Sandhu was bullied for being too thin. She also describes herself as an introvert. Speaking on the same, Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Sandhu said, “I think I have overcome that by believing in my strength and by believing that every individual is unique and that what makes them different. It was all possible because of my mom’s support. She has always been my hero and made me believe in my strength. My family plays a significant role in my worst stage. If I’m able to sit here and talk about myself with confidence, it’s all because of my family.”
Upon being asked about inspiring people in her life, Miss Universe 2021 said, “Priyanka has influenced my life immensely as her aura reflects courage, determination, and a never-give-up attitude. Since her pageant days, she has been representing India phenomenally and has made India proud on a global level, and that is what I, too, aspire to do. She truly is an inspiration to me and many others.”
My mother inspired her immensely and broke generations of patriarchy to become a successful gynecologist and led her family as quoted by Harnaaz . She also organised a free health camp during her Miss Diva role. “The camp was about breast and cervical cancer awareness. I urged women not to hesitate to talk about feminine hygiene concerns as it is imperative to break the stigma around it,” she shared later.
Miss Universe 2000 Lara Dutta posted a heartfelt note to Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Sandhu on Instagram
Former Miss Universe 2000 Lara Dutta in a heartfelt note wrote, “My dearest Harnaaz Sandhu, when I spoke to you yesterday, you promised me that ‘it will be worth it.’ You are worth all your triumphant glory and much, much more! You had an unshakeable belief in yourself and just knew, you were born for this. You were born in the year I won Miss Universe. That’s how long we’ve waited for you to come along and lift that crown once more for India.”
“Perhaps, it was destined. I know what lies in store for you and I wish you a glorious reign. May this only be the start of the heights you will scale! God bless you, my heartiest congratulations to your parents and family! The universe now is your oyster- our star,” Dutta added.
Hollywood star and former Miss World Priyanka Chopra, tweeted, “And the new Miss Universe is… Miss India. Congratulations @HarnaazSandhu03… bringing the crown home after 21 years!” Sandhu’s journey to success was no cakewalk, as the young model had previously opened up about her struggles with bullying and body-shaming in the past. Here are five lesser-known secrets about the new Miss Universe.
The event was marred by controversies when the host comedian Steve Harvey asked her to mimic her best animal impersonation which received lots of criticism for singling her out with an inappropriate question however against the backdrop of the Omicron variant this victory was something to cheer about and long-awaited drought was finally over. Way to go Harnaaz!
5 Responses
Chak De! India
Ya ya. Glad to see you here on my updated site dear Philo. Thanks a ton for connecting. I shall visit your pages soon. Was busy with makeover of my baby.
Hurray, Punjab! (I have a friend, in America, with the last name Sandhu. She is — and her children are — also beautiful.)
Thank you so much for the visit. Great to know that. Say hi to your friend from my side.