India's Harnaaz Sandhu crowned Miss Universe 2021

INDIA’S Harnaaz Sandhu on Monday (13) won the Miss Universe 2021 pageant, beating contestants from 79 countries.

Only two Indians before Sandhu have been crowned Miss Universe earlier - Sushmita Sen in 1994 and Lara Dutta in 2000.

Model and actress Sandhu, 21, will move to New York City where she will live for a year and become a spokesperson for various causes alongside the Miss Universe Organisation.

The 70th edition of the event was held in Israel's resort town of Eilat.

During the final question and answer round, Sandhu was asked what advice she would give young women on how to deal with the pressure they face today.

She said, “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.”

Sandhu, who is pursuing her master's degree in public administration and started modelling when she was 17, was crowned by her predecessor, Andrea Meza of Mexico, who won the pageant in 2020.

Paraguay's Nadia Ferreira, 22, finished second and South Africa's Lalela Mswane, 24, came third.

“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," said Sandhu.

She wore a gown by trans designer Saisha Shinde and her winning reply was greeted with loud and approving applause.

“Bringing the glorious crown back after 21 years to India is a moment of greatest pride,” she said.

After the win, Sandhu said "Chak De Phatte, India!", a popular Punjabi phrase that roughly translates to "Let's do this, India!"

The ceremony was hosted by Steve Harvey and saw performances from American singer JoJo.

The selection committee included actress and Miss Universe India 2015 Urvashi Rautela, Puerto Rican actor Adamari López, Brazilian model-actor Adriana Lima, American TV presenter and former beauty pageant Cheslie Kryst, former Miss Universe Iris Mittenaere, host Steve Harvey's step-daughter model Lori Harvey, Filipina actor and Miss Universe selection committee member Marian Rivera and American actor Rena Sofer.

“As a #MissUniverse Judge made the best decision. I can't stop crying... We did it India,” Rautela wrote on Instagram later.

Sandhu has worked in a few Punjabi films, including Yaara Diyan Poo Baran and Bai Ji Kuttange.

She won the Times Fresh Face in 2017, representing Chandigarh at the age of 17. She later won the LIVA Miss Diva Universe 2021 title.

As soon as Sandhu's name was announced as the title winner, celebrations broke out at her home in Punjab's Kharar near Chandigarh with her parents Pritam Singh Sandhu and Dr Ravinder Kaur Sandhu sharing their happiness with the people in the area.

Ravinder Kaur, a gynaecologist, said she spoke to her daughter last Sunday evening and wished her best of luck. The elated mother said she advised her daughter to stay focused.

Her parents are looking forward to welcoming their daughter with her favourite food of "makke di roti".

Former Miss Universe Sen said Sandhu was "Har Hindustani Ki Naz", loosely translated as someone who made every Indian proud.

The Aarya star said 21-year-old Sandhu was "destined"; to bring back the crown home after the long wait of 21 years.

She also expressed the hope that Sandhu enjoys "every moment of learning &; sharing this incredible global platform @missuniverse will provide you...";

Actress-producer Lara Dutta said “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,”.

Actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas - who won the Miss World title in 2000 - tweeted, “And the New Miss Universe is... Miss India. Congratulations Harnaaz Sandhu... bringing the crown home after 21 years.”

Dia Mirza, the winner of the Miss Asia Pacific International 2000 crown, said India was proud of her.