Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu made the country proud as she has won the Miss Universe 2021 competition defeating South Africa’s Lalela Mswane and Paraguay’s Nadia Ferreira. Sandhu becomes only the third Indian to win the coveted title after actresses Sushmita Sen and Lara Dutta, writes shveta mishra
At the Miss Universe 2021 pageant in Israel, India’s Tricolor flew high as actress and model Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu was declared the winner of the competition. Apart from Harnaaz, South Africa’s Lalela Mswane was declared the second runner-up and Paraguay’s Nadia Ferreira was the first runner up. It was the 70th edition of the prestigious annual event.
Sushmita Sen, sharing two pictures of Harnaaz from the pageant, wrote on Instagram, “#yehbaat ‘Har Hindustani Ki Naz’ Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu #MissUniverse2021 India. So proud of you! Congratulations @harnaazsandhu_03 Thank you for representing India so beautifully, for bringing back the Miss Universe Crown to India after 21 years (by a 21-year-old, you were destined). May you enjoy every moment of learning and sharing this incredible global platform @missuniverse will provide you… May you reign supreme!!! My love and regards to your Maa and family… bohut bohut Mubarak #jaihind #duggadugga. Adding to Sushmita’s words, a fan pointed out, “That too in the year 2021. Means a lot 21 21 21.” Another commented, “Queen congratulating another Queen.” A fan praised Sushmita’s note and said, “@sushmitasen47 – What a wonderful start (Har Hindustaani ki Naz, *Harnaaz*) Love to you.” Lara Dutta Bhupathi too tweeted, Congratulations Harnaaz Sandhu. !!!! Welcome to the club!!! We’ve waited 21 long years for this!!! You make us SO SO proud!!! A billion dreams come true!!!
Harnaaz’s victory has left her mother speechless. She said “I don’t know how to express my feelings. She made the whole Sandhu family proud. She is a determined girl. She has been active and confident since childhood. Today, her dream was fulfilled. I could not thank God enough.”
Harnaaz’s brother Harnoor Sandhu added that they are planning a grand welcome for her at home. He said, “Dhoom dhaam se hum Harnaaz ka swagat karenge. (We will welcome her in grand style). She deserves it. We all are proud of her. When she called us after winning the pageant, we all started crying. It was an emotional moment for all of us. With her win, she has inspired millions of girls out there,” He also revealed that they fondly call her ‘Candy’.
