Miss Universe 2021

Harnaaz Sandhu won the title by defeating Paraguay's Nadia Ferreira and South Africa's Lalela Mswane. With this title she also becomes the third Indian woman who has the Miss Universe in her name, earlier Sushmita Sen and Lara Dutta were crowned with the title in 1994 and 2000 respectively. India got the title back after 21 years. Apart from winning the hearts, Sandhu won many rewards too. Here you can check what she additionally gets. 

There are four major international beauty pageants in the world. Among these four,  Miss World and Miss Universe are the oldest global beauty pageants. Both Miss Universe and Miss World evaluate the beauty of participants from across the world. However, there is a lot of difference between the two contests. Here’s an explainer on the difference between Miss Universe and Miss World.

Harnaaz faced several challenges due to her thin built but her family had always been a constant support. The 21-year-old has also won the title of Miss Diva 2021 and has been participating in beauty pageants since the age of 17. She also won Femina Miss India Punjab in 2019.

Beauty pageant Miss Universe 2021 had Bollywood actress Urvashi Rautela as one of its jury member. Urvashi was thrilled the moment Harnaaz Sandhu was crowned with the Miss Universe title. The pageant held in Eilat, Israel. The two prominent Indian ladies in Israel made a celebration video together, Where Urvashi was seen carrying Indian flag in one hand along with hugging Harnaaz, the video was shared by Urvashi on her Instagram account.

Andrea Meza, who won Miss Universe 2020, crowned Harnaaz Sandhu. The event also honoured two runner-ups, Miss Paraguay 2021 Nadia Ferreira, was declared first runner-up, Miss Universe South Africa 2021 Lalela Mswan, became second runner-up. Announcement of the international beauty pageant was made on Miss Universe's official media account. The post reads: "The new Miss Universe is…India!." India got Miss Universe crown after 21 years.

Before the pageant, the 21-year-old model was quoted as saying: "For me, talent is vital when it comes to competing in a pageant. Makeup only enhances your beauty. What's most important is your passion." Harnaaz, whose mother is a gynaecologist, was crowned by her predecessor Andrea Meza from Mexico on Sunday night at the event held at the Universe Dome in Eilat, Israel.