Only two Indians before Miss Sandhu has won the title of Miss Universe! Actors Sushmita Sen and Lara Dutta were the two Indians that were crowned in 1994 and in 2000. Congratulations are in order for Harnaaz Sandhu. (@harnaazsandhu_03)
The 70th Edition of Miss Universe event was held in Israel, where this 21-year-old bagged the coveted pageant.
The (Chandigarh) India-based model, who is pursuing her Master’s Degree in Public Administration, was crowned by her predecessor Andrea Meza of Mexico, who won the pageant in 2020. While Paraguay’s Nadia Ferreira, 22, came second, South Africa’s Lalela Mswane, 24, came third.
Still confused about what Miss Universe is?
Miss Universe is an annual International Beauty pageant that is run by the United States–based Miss Universe Organization. It is one of the most watched pageants in the World with an estimated audience of over 500 Million viewers in over 190 territories.
Why is this age old tradition still relevant?
Apart from all things glitz, glamour and pomp, all beauty pageants have a segment that vets social sensibilities of participants. The final score thus depends quite a lot on the approach and of the participants to such questions put to them on stage. The best answer wins the prize and the outstanding responses make headlines. Thus, the Miss Universe pageant is not just about outer beauty – but also inner beauty and intelligence.
Who is this year’s winner and what does she bring to the table?
Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu was born on March 3, 2000 in Chandigarh, Panjab. She is an Indian Actress and Model. Harnaaz is a model hailing from Chandigarh, where she finished her schooling and college. The Miss Universe winner has been in the fashion industry for quite some years now and has even 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. In her spare time, she enjoys yoga, dancing, cooking, horse riding and playing chess.
Who were the previously crowed awardees?
Born in Mumbai in 1943, Reita Faria is the first Indian female personality to win the Miss World beauty pageant in 1966.
Image Credit: India Times
After a gap of 28 years, India won the contest again as Aishwarya Rai was crowned Miss World in 1994.
Image Credit: Pinkvilla
Hyderabad’s Diana Hayden was crowned Miss World in 1997 and appeared in several television commercials after her win.
Image Credit: Miss India Org
Born in Bangalore, Yukta Mookhey won the Miss World pageant in 1999. Apart from studying Zoology, Yukta also has a diploma degree in computer sciences. This apart, Yukta has also studied Hindustani classical music for three years.
Image Credit: India Times
One year later, India won the pageant again as Priyanka Chopra was crowned Miss World in 2000. Priyanka as well, received several film offers after her win and made her debut in Bollywood.
Image Credit: India Times
Seventeen years after Priyanka Chopra, Haryana’s Manushi Chhillar was crowned Miss World in 2017 after winning the Miss India 2017 pageant. Manushi has appeared in several television commercials after her win and will soon make her debut in Bollywood with Prithviraj in 2022, opposite esteemed Actor Akshay Kumar.
Image Credit: The Economic Times
Follow @itp.live to always stay ahead of the curve!