The 21-year-old from Punjab, representing India at the 70th Miss Universe 2021, held in Eilat, Israel, brought home the crown, after Lara Dutta won the title in 2000.
Harnaaz Sandhu edged out contestants Paraguay and South Africa to claim the prestigious crown. She was presented the crown by Andrea Meza, former Miss Universe 2020 Mexico.
The new Miss Universe is a Punjabi beauty, a model hailing from Chandigarh, where she completed her schooling and college. The winner has been in the fashion industry for some years and starred in films like Yaara Diyan Poo Baran and Bai Ji Kuttange. She is a strong advocate for women's rights and draws her inspiration from Priyanka Chopra.
She takes pleasure in yoga, dancing, cooking, horse riding and playing chess. Apart from representing Miss Universe title, she is pursuing a master's degree in public administration. She is the third Indian woman to be crowned Miss Universe. Harnaaz began competing in pageantry as a teenager, winning titles such as Miss Chandigarh 2017 and Miss Max Emerging Star India 2018. After winning the title of Femina Miss India Punjab 2019, Sandhu competed in Femina Miss India.
Sponsors play a very important role in any event, this event had 12 sponsors:
- Sherri Hill: Gown Makers for Miss Universe Contestants,
- Mouawad: Miss Universe Crown Maker. The Power of Unity Crown, featuring thousands of diamonds, was designed and hand crafted by Mouawad to carry with it a message that reflects the values of the Miss Universe Organisation
- The Guitar Hotel
- Olivia Quido Skin Care: A Venture by Ms. Olivia Quido-Co CEO and Founder of O Skin Med Spa, She is a top-rated esthetician, entrepreneur, women’s advocate and a Christian philanthropist
- Jojo Bragais Footwear
- City of The Hollywood Florida
- Ema Savahl: Swimwear shop
- Lazada: Only one to have separate Global Voting Page for Top 21
- Invisismart
- iQIY iQ,com: Headquartered in Singapore, iQIYI International is an on-demand video streaming service providing beloved pan-Asian entertainment to international viewers
- Carnival: Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy is in Selection Committee for 69Th MISS UNIVERSE Competition