GMA Brandtalk
Tracking
Archives
6 things to know: Who is Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Sandhu?
The new queen of the universe, India's Harnaaz Sandhu, has been crowned!
To mark her coronation, here are just six interesting facts about the 21-year-old who took the world by storm with her beauty, intelligence, and passion at the 70th Miss Universe pageant.
1. She is pursuing her master's degree in public administration
In the Miss Universe introduction video, Harnaaz said she is pursuing her master's degree in public administration after completing her bachelor's in information technology.
2. She is an actress and model
Aside from slaying at beauty pageants, Harnaaz is also an actress and model by profession.
She has starred in a few Punjabi shows including "Yaara Diyan Poo Baran" and "Bai Ji Kutangge." She takes inspiration from actress and Miss World 2000 Priyanka Chopra.
Among the titles she has all throughout her pageant journey include Femina Miss India Punjab 2019 and Miss Diva 2021 in India prior to Miss Universe.
3. Her greatest inspiration is her mom
The Miss Universe 2021's greatest inspiration is her mom, who is now a successful gynecologist after breaking "generations of patriarchy."
"She's the one who showed me that [in] life, you have to work hard if you want to own a position or you want to achieve your goals no matter [if] you're women. You can make it happen," she said.
4. She advocates for climate change and women's rights
In the introduction video, Harnaaz talked strongly about bringing the world back to how it's supposed to be by doing our own ways to help the environment.
"That'll be my ultimate goal. I personally make sure that I reduce my carbon footprints, save electricity," she said, adding that she also focuses on saving water and waste management.
During the preliminaries last Saturday, meanwhile, she was described as an advocate for women's right to education and freedom of choice.
5. She loves animals
As seen in her Instagram feed, Harnaaz spends a lot of time with animals, especially horses. As part of her mission to save nature, she also treats them as her priority.
"I have always had a deep connection with animals and I truly believe that, we are here to turn the forest into a home, and make peace with all creatures," she wrote.
"Let's respect every living being on earth and save our environment," she said on Instagram.
6. She wants to make India proud—and definitely did it
Prior to the coronation on Monday morning (Philippine time), Harnaaz said one of her goals in life is to make her beloved country proud.
"[I have] pride and gratitude when I talk about my country India. I'm very close to it. It's filled with colors, vibrance, tradition, culture, religion, and different kinds of flavors of spices," she said.
Before Harnaaz, only two Indians have won the Miss Universe title: Sushmita Sen in 1994 and Lara Dutta in 2000.
—MGP, GMA News
