Chandigarh girl Harnaaz Sandhu has been crowned Miss Universe 2021, 21 years after Lara Dutta won the title in 2000.
Sandhu represented India today at the 70th Miss Universe 2021 pageant at the Universe Dome in Eilat, Israel.
The 21-year-old from Punjab edged out Paraguay's Nadia Ferreira and South Africa's Lalela Mswane. She was presented the crown by Andrea Meza from Mexico, Miss Universe 2020.
Before the Chandigarh-based model, actors Sushmita Sen in 1994 and Lara Dutta in 2000 were to only two Indians to have won the title of Miss Universe.
In the final round, on being asked what advice she would give to young women on how to deal with the pressures they face, a composed Sandhu replied, "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."
Sandhu has previously been crowned Miss Diva 2021, Femina Miss India Punjab 2019 and was even placed in the Top 12 at Femina Miss India 2019. She has also worked in Punjabi films like 'Yaara Diyan Poo Baran' and 'Bai Ji Kuttange'.
