Miss India Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu is the winner of Miss Universe 2021. Here’s what you need to know about the new queen and how she won the crown.
Miss Universe that started in 1952, celebrates its 70th anniversary in Elait, Israel and the global pageant has gone back to its most glamourous form with a bigger stage, fully produced performance, and a live audience. Candidates from 80 countries competed but only one was crowned as the successor by reigning Miss Universe Andrea Meza. And after giving off a fierce walk and strong answers during the Q&A segments, Miss India Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu is given the title of Miss Universe 2021.
The judging table that was composed of beauty entrepreneur Lori Harvey, who’s the daughter of long-time Miss Universe host Steve Harvey, supermodel Adriana Lima, Puerto Rican actress Adamari Lopez, Miss Universe 2016 Iris Mittenaere, American star Rena Sofer, Bollywood actress Urvashi Rautela, and our very own Filipino actress Marian Rivera, also chose Paraguay as first runner-up and South Africa as the second runner-up.
Sandhu, who is from Chandigarh, India is a model, actress, and season beauty queen as she has competed in several pageants beforehand. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in public administration and her main advocacy is on raising awareness on mental health.
Here is a rundown of Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu’s full performance:
National Costume
During the prelim competition, Sandhu wore an all-pink royal pink outfit that symbolizes the Indian Rani or Queen. It was an embodiment of a “woman as a protector” with its key elements of “mirrors” that are believed to blind the evil eye and an umbrella that provides shelter and protection.
Swimsuit Competition
The candidates all wore swimsuits in subtly varying designs and colors that all matched with a sheer leopard cover up, hoop earrings, and beige heels. For the Indian candidate, many were impressed with the power she brought in her walk while wearing a burgundy swimsuit.
Evening Gown
Miss India brought full glamour to the stage with an intricately beaded and fringed silver gown that had a deep v-neckline and slit in the middle by Indian designer, Saisha Shinde.
Top 5 Q&A
For the first round of Q&A, Sandhu was asked by actress Rena Sofer about her opinion on climate change.
Final questions are here! The first to go is India. #MISSUNIVERSE
— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) December 13, 2021
The 70th MISS UNIVERSE Competition is airing LIVE around the world from Eilat, Israel on @foxtv pic.twitter.com/xpPLfORQXA
Question
Many people think climate change is a hoax. What would you do to convince them otherwise? What would you do to convince them otherwise?
Answer:
Miss India: Honestly it my heart breaks to see how nature is going through a lot of problems and it’s all due to our irresponsible behavior. I totally feel that this is the time we need to take action and talk less.
“Prevent and protect” is better than “repent and repair” and this is what I’m trying to convince you guys today.
Final Statement
In the final round, 21-year-old Sandhu sealed her win by giving a straight-to-the-point and empowering answer.
FINAL STATEMENT: India. #MISSUNIVERSE
— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) December 13, 2021
The 70th MISS UNIVERSE Competition is airing LIVE around the world from Eilat, Israel on @foxtv pic.twitter.com/wwyMhsAyvd
Question:
What advice would you give to young women watching on how to deal with the pressures they face today?
Answer:
Miss India: I think the biggest pressure the youth of today is facing is to believe in themselves. To know that you are unique and that what makes you beautiful, stop comparing yourselves to others and let’s talk about more important things happening worldwide. I think this is what you need to understand.
Come out, speak out for yourself because you are the leader of your life. You are the voice of your own. I believed in myself and that’s why I’m standing here today.
