From global beauty icon to an impressive and confident Bollywood debutante, Harnaaz Sandhu is at a defining crossroads in her career.
Making a striking return to the spotlight as the showstopper for Namrata Joshipura at the Jaipur edition of the Blenders Pride Fashion Tour (BPFT), the former Miss Universe speaks exclusively to Moneycontrol about fashion in motion, mental preparation, staying away from the limelight, and the intense journey behind her upcoming Hindi film debut Baaghi 4.
Harnaaz Sandhu told us that in an industry driven by constant visibility, her approach to her work is more rooted in discipline, balance, and faith in her craft.
Walking the runway at BPFT Jaipur, Harnaaz said: “What excites me most about walking the runway at the Jaipur edition of Blenders Pride Fashion Tour is how fresh and charged the entire experience feels. This year’s High Octane Glamour concept truly brings fashion in motion, seamlessly fusing the thrill and intensity of motorsports with cutting-edge style,” she says. For her, the collaboration with designer Namrata Joshipura made the moment even more powerful. “Walking for Namrata Joshipura adds another layer to it—her designs are bold and powerful, yet unmistakably feminine.
Having represented India on the global stage as Miss Universe, Harnaaz says she sees fashion as a language that extends beyond glamour.
Interpreting BPFT’s motorsport-inspired theme as a showstopper, she explains, “Having experienced the world of beauty so closely, I see fashion as a powerful form of expression that goes far beyond aesthetics. This show allowed me to reinterpret that idea by blending the high-octane, fearless energy of motorsport with the elegance and refinement of fashion.” For Sandhu, the statement lay in contrast—“celebrating strength and grace together, where power meets poise.”
Jaipur, too, holds a personal resonance for her. “I have a special soft corner for Jaipur, it’s a city rich in royalty and tradition, and being here always feels like stepping into a festive phase of my life,” she shared.
Harnaaz who comes from Punjab sayss Jaipur brings with it a cultural familiarity, especially in “the food and the warmth of the culture.”
That sense of grounding also defines how Harnaaz prepares for high-impact runway appearances. She loves listening to music and being thankful always.
“I like to listen to music that truly inspires me while journaling—taking a moment to remind myself of everything I’m grateful for, how beautiful my life is, and how much more beauty is yet to come,” she says. Her ritual ends with self-affirmation: “Giving myself a little pat on the back and affirming, I am the best, I am the best, and I am the best.”
Observing the Indian fashion industry’s growth, Harnaaz said she believes platforms like BPFT have played a transformative role. “Designers are truly experimenting and pushing creative boundaries, taking fashion to an entirely new level,” she noted.
The year, however, has been particularly significant for her beyond the runway.
With her Bollywood debut Baaghi 4 with Tiger Shroff, she chose to step away from public appearances—surprising fans with her return at BPFT.
“I’m someone who tends to retreat into my shell when I’m a work in progress.”
Preparing for the film, especially with a dual role, demanded complete immersion. “It’s not something you can do halfway or juggle casually.”
Not affected by trolls
In an era where constant online presence is often equated with relevance, Harnaaz says she remained unfazed by the 'out of sight, out of mind' narrative.
“That’s a beautiful question, and I truly believe that talent ultimately speaks louder than anything else,” she asserts. While acknowledging the power of social media, she adds, “I don’t let trolls affect me, and I don’t get carried away by excessive praise either—I’ve learned to maintain balance and protect my mental well-being.”
The dual-role challenge in Baaghi 4 was demanding, particularly as a debutante. “It was so challenging… I was simultaneously playing both the roles and both the roles need emotional discipline. Everybody on set and from the production believed in me and put that faith in me," she said.
Former Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu is now gearing up for her other Bollywood releases in 2026.
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