Harnaaz Sandhu, actor-model from India, made history as she was crowned Miss Universe 2021 -- beating contestants from 80 countries -- 21 years after India last brought home the title.
Only two Indians before Sandhu have won the title of Miss Universe - actors Sushmita Sen in 1994 and Lara Dutta in 2000. The 70th edition of the event was held in Eilat, Israel, where the 21-year-old bagged the coveted pageant.
Apart from Sandhu’s winning moment, what also caught the internet’s attention was of her making an animal impression on stage, standing next to host of the contest, US TV personality Steve Harvey. She did it after Harvey asked her to do her best animal impression.
Clips of her ‘meowing’ is viral on social media. Twitter was flooded with mixed comments from users, many of whom were amused and the others, not too pleased with her action on the international platform.
“I am immensely grateful to the Almighty, my parents, and the Miss India Organization for guiding and supporting me throughout. Loads of love to everyone who prayed and wished the crown for me," Harnaaz Sandhu said.
"Bringing the glorious crown back after 21 years to India is a moment of greatest pride," she said. Sandhu will move to New York City where she will live during her reign and become a spokesperson for various causes alongside the Miss Universe Organisation.
During the final question and answer round, the actor and model from Chandigarh was asked what advice she would give to young women on how to deal with the pressure they face today. "The biggest pressure the youth of today is facing is to believe in themselves, to know that you are unique and that's what makes you beautiful. Stop comparing yourselves with others and let's talk about more important things that's happening worldwide.”
"This is what you need to understand. Come out, speak for yourselves because you are the leader of your life, you are the voice of your own. I believed in myself and that's why I am standing here today," she said to a thundering applause.
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