Miss Universe 2021: Harnaaz Sandhu from Punjab brings home crown after 21 years

Harnaaz Sandhu of India has been crowned the 70th Miss Universe 2021 topping a field of some 80 contestants in a pageant.

She beat out 79 other contestants from various countries and territories — including runner-up Miss Paraguay Nadia Ferreira and second runner-up Miss South Africa Lalela Mswane — to claim the prestigious title.

Sandhu, who started her journey in pageantry at the age of 17, has previously been crowned Miss Diva 2021, Femina Miss India Punjab 2019 and was even placed in the Top 12 at Femina Miss India 2019.

She has also worked in Punjabi films like "Yaara Diyan Poo Baran" and "Bai Ji Kuttange".

Before her, Lara Dutta was crowned the Miss Universe in 2000.

The news of Harnaaz's win was posted by the official Instagram account of Miss Universe Organisation. The beauty queen was crowned the coveted title at the event being held at at Universe Dome in Eilat, Israel. "The new Miss Universe is…India," they captioned the clip.

The clip shows Miss Universe 2020 Andrea Meza of Mexico crowning an emotional Harnaaz, who will become her successor.

On being asked what advice she would give to young women on how to deal with the pressures they face, a composed Ms Sandhu said, "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."