India’s Harnaaz Sandhu crowned Miss Universe 2021 after 21 years

NEW DELHI: India's Harnaaz Sandhu has been crowned Miss Universe 2021, 21 years after Lara Dutta won the title in 2000.

The contest was held at Eilat in Israel. 21-year-old Sandhu represented India at the 70th Miss Universe 2021. Only two Indian actors Sushmita Sen in 1994 and Lara Dutta in 2000 have won the title of Miss Universe.

The new Miss Universe is...India!!!! #MISSUNIVERSE pic.twitter.com/DTiOKzTHl4

— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) December 13, 2021

Sandhu from Punjab claimed the crown edging out Paraguay's Nadia Ferreira and South Africa's Lalela Mswane. 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 is currently pursuing her Masters degree in Public Administration. She has also acted in many Punjabi films.