Harnaaz Sandhu has now become the new Miss Universe India 2021. The 21 years old will represent India at the 70th edition of the Miss Universe beauty pageant. Chandigarh's Harnaaz Sandhu was crowned the Miss Universe India 2021 on Thursday. Harnaaz now holds the prestigious title once honoured by Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon. Jaipur’s Sonal Kukreja was handed the 1st Runner up trophy and Pune's Ritika Khatnani was crowned the Miss Diva Supranational 2022. The diva title was handed out at a star-studded event that featured popular names from the fashion industry and Bollywood including Kriti Sanon and Malaika Arora, who graced the floor with a performance.
Harnaaz Sandhu to represent India at Miss Universe
Chandigarh-based Harnaaz Sandhu (LIVA Miss Diva Universe 2021) ) is all set to represent India at the 70th edition of the Miss Universe pageant to be held in Israel on December 12. Excitedly, she tells us, “I can’t wait to get started! I’m looking forward to competing with 80 other beauty queens from across the globe. It has been an incredible journey so far. It has been a lot of hard work, but only if I work hard, will I value my achievements.”
‘I’m looking forward to the sub-contests’
Talking about the sub-contests she will be participating in, Harnaaz says, “The National Costume means a lot to me. When I used to watch pageants earlier, I’d feel overwhelmed to see girls showcasing the entire culture of their country in one costume. I hope to showcase a beautiful glimpse of India in this round.”
‘Feminine hygiene is a big concern today’ Harnaaz was recently invited to be a part of the free health camp for women organised by the Israel Embassy in association with Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre, and Khushi (NGO). “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.” Harnaaz has also been raising awareness about clefts in association with Smile Train India. She tells us, “They’ve performed more than six lakh cleft surgeries in India, organised free cleft surgeries for underprivileged children and done so much more.”
‘My mentors have been so supportive’
Talking about the panelists and mentors who trained her, Harnaaz says, “All my mentors have been so welcoming, kind and supportive. They know that the girls are under a lot of pressure and they made me comfortable all through the training sessions for communication, ramp walk, hair, make-up, personality development, etc.”
‘My gynaecologist mother is my inspiration’
Being the daughter of a successful doctor has inspired Harnaaz in multiple ways. “My mother is my inspiration. She broke through so many stereotypes and generations of patriarchy in my community to become a gynaecologist and the breadwinner of the family. She made me realise how important it is to be financially independent.”
Panelists
Skin Care Expert: Dr Jamuna Pai; Smile Care Expert: Dr Sandesh Mayekar; Ramp Walk Trainer: Deepti Gujral; Pilates Expert: Samir Purohit and Namrata Purohit; Gym Partner: Reset; Hair Coach: Kromakay; Make-up Expert: Ayesha Seth; Salon Partner: Savio John Pereira; Voice Crafting Trainer: Monaz Ranina; Communication Expert: Supreet Bedi; Hair Extension Partner: Kaiser Hair; Luggage Partner: Nasher Miles; Official Footwear Partner: Oceedee; Sash By: Fhaze London; Luxury Car Partner: Broker Dalal Premium
Wardrobe
Fashion Director: Bharat Gupta; National Costume: Outfit courtesy Abhinav Mishra; Custom prop by REZA;
Designers: Pankaj and Nidhi, Sawan Gandhi, Rocky S, Mandira Work, Nidhi Yasha, Bloni, Shivan & Narresh, Shahin Mannan, Vidhi Vadhwani, Abhishek Sharma, Varun Nidhika, AAxA, Rudraksh Dwivedi, Rohit Kamra, RSR by Riti Rahul Shah, RARStudio, Ayra, Mannat Gupta, D.L. Maya, Lavanya Coodly, Swaatee Singh, Chaitanya Rao, Kapardara, Sakshi Khetterpal, Nikhita Tandon, Label Prerna Mehra, Deme, Bhawna Rao, The World of Gaya, EyeCandy by Pinky and Sheshan, Myriad Activewear; Accessories: Curio Cottage, Ansh Gems, Mozaati, Put Style, The Jewel Gallery, Sataara, Embellished Stories
Special thanks to Saisha Shinde
The evening gown is an exquisite silver and champagne coloured masterpiece intricately embroidered using fabric from leftover materials. The gown represents sustainable fashion. Saisha says, “The gown takes inspiration from geometric patterns of the phulkari motif, which is synonymous with Harnaaz’s home state, Punjab. The idea was to make it modern, powerful yet delicate and enchanting, which is exactly how Harnaaz’s personality is.
After winning two titles, Sandhu competed for Miss India 2019, where ended up in the top 12. However, she had won Miss India Punjab, and in the same year, she also stared in The Landers music video 'Tarthalli'. This September, Harnaaz won the prestigious title of Miss Diva Universe India 2021 and she was honoured with the crown by Kriti Sanon. Currently, she's representing India on an international platform.
Reportedly, Sandhu has two Punjabi films in her kitty, 'Bai Ji Kuttange' and 'Yaara Diyan Poo Baran,' that will release next year. Apart from her gorgeous looks, Sandhu is known for being a nature-lover. Her views about global warming and nature conservation impressed the panellist of Miss Diva. During the final round of the competition, Harnaaz determined to speak on Climate change and the adverse effects of Global Warming. She said, "One day, life will flash before your eyes, make sure it's worth watching. However, this is not the life you want to watch, where the climate is changing and the environment is dying. It is one of the fiasco that us humans have done to the environment. I do believe that we still have time to undo our irresponsible behaviour. Earth is all we have in common and our small acts as individuals when multiplied by billions can transform the whole world. Start now, from tonight, switch off those extra lights when not in use. Thank you."
Apart from representing Miss Universe title, Harnaaz is pursuing her master's degree in public administration, and she aims to make her parents and country proud.
Reportedly, Sandhu has two Punjabi films in her kitty, 'Bai Ji Kuttange' and 'Yaara Diyan Poo Baran,' that will release next year. Apart from her gorgeous looks, Sandhu is known for being a nature-lover. Her views about global warming and nature conservation impressed the panellist of Miss Diva. During the final round of the competition, Harnaaz determined to speak on Climate change and the adverse effects of Global Warming. She said, "One day, life will flash before your eyes, make sure it's worth watching. However, this is not the life you want to watch, where the climate is changing and the environment is dying. It is one of the fiasco that us humans have done to the environment. I do believe that we still have time to undo our irresponsible behaviour. Earth is all we have in common and our small acts as individuals when multiplied by billions can transform the whole world. Start now, from tonight, switch off those extra lights when not in use. Thank you."
Apart from representing Miss Universe title, Harnaaz is pursuing her master's degree in public administration, and she aims to make her parents and country proud.