Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Sandhu doesn’t mince words when accepting that she has her heart set on Bollywood. “I am an actor by profession, and I have been part of theatre for 12 years,” says the beauty-pageant winner, who brought home the coveted crown 21 years after Lara Dutta last bagged it for India.

Sandhu has featured in Punjabi films like Yaara Diyan Poo Baran and the yet-to-be-released Bai Ji Kuttange. She made her television debut with the show, Udaariyaan. With her latest win propelling her into the limelight, she now hopes to venture into the Hindi film industry. “However, I don’t want to be a normal actress. I want to be one of those who are very influential, and who break stereotypes by choosing strong characters, being wise, and inspirational.”

But even as she plans to train attention to her acting career, Sandhu says she will be equally devoted to using her platform to further several causes. “Obvious [issues] plaguing our society are climate change and women empowerment. They are close to my heart. I have seen my mother [advocate] for the causes. I plan to use my win to not only [celebrate] my crown, but also address the responsibility that come with it.” 

Although she bagged the top spot at a beauty pageant, the Chandigarh-born model is irked when people attribute winners’ success to their physical appeal alone. “There are a lot of people who say [I] won because [I] have a pretty face. But I know the amount of effort that went behind it. Instead of indulging in argument, I’d rather work hard to make them realise [my worth]. This is the stereotype that I want to break. This [win] is a lot like an Olympic [win]. When we appreciate a sports-person who represents the country, why can’t we [appreciate] beauty pageant winners? However, mindsets are changing, and I am happy to be breaking stereotypes already.”

From a quiet Chandigarh girl to dazzling the world as Miss Universe 2021, Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu is back after representing India on the international platform. Now, the 21-year-old is eager to embark on her Miss Universe journey and head to the pageant’s headquarters in the US. Still dazed from her win, Harnaaz talks to us about how the title will actualise the causes she advocates, being a youth role model and, most importantly, eating makki ki roti made by her mother! Excerpts:

I cried, and people around the world cried with me. It was so surreal. Previously, I had dreamt many times that I am standing at the exact spot where I was crowned, and the presenter is calling out, ‘India!’. But when it did happen, for a few moments it just didn’t sink in. Even before they called out India, I thought to myself, this should happen. We had worked so hard, and I have been supported so much by India, so it was time to shine.

There is no time to rest yet. I am starting another exciting journey with the Miss Universe organisation, going to New York, and looking forward to being in Times Square. I am so eager to talk about the issues I have been advocating on an international platform — climate change, women empowerment and feminine hygiene — and to eventually implement those back home in India.

None of it was planned, it was all by accident. And the journey is still in process, not sure where I am going next. Through these years, I realised this is what I love doing. I discovered I am a good actor, and also loved being part of pageants.

Having been there myself, I know that these pageants can be such a turning point in life, and as a youth icon, I want to inspire them. And that is the real purpose of the crown.

Being a Punjabi, it is tough to be strict about diet since we are such foodies. In fact, recently I got allergic to gluten, and that has been and continues to be a huge challenge. Four years ago, I was a very shy person. I developed myself into being confident and did my homework well. There were times I felt like giving up, but then I reminded myself that I must stay on course, show resilience, especially in those weak moments.

Yes, I was body shamed for being too thin. But every time it happened, I realised that the only thing that matters is my impression of myself. It is more relevant how beautiful you are internally. You have to enjoy every part of you and accept your whole being for the universe to love you back.

I give myself permission to feel overwhelmed at times because life is going to be challenging even in the future, it’s just begun! No matter what happens, I will give it my best shot.

I am looking forward to spending time at home because I won’t get that again for long. My mom promised to make makki ki roti when I am home in Chandigarh. I am waiting for her to deliver on her promise (laughs).

Bollywood star and actress Zeenat Aman, who won the Femina Miss India pageant and Miss Asia Pacific International in 1970, when she was just 19 years old, is delighted with Harnaaz Sandhu being crowned Miss Universe 2021 in Eilat, Israel.

Zeenat Aman says, “I am extremely happy that another one of our country’s girls has been crowned Miss Universe 2021. It’s my personal opinion that Indian women are extremely pretty and they always stand out when it comes to beauty, poise and confidence. It is indeed a big achievement once again for our country.”

The actress is also impressed with the confidence that young women show on the ramp. She says, “When you watch them participating in a pageant, you realise that they have got it all right — the correct posture, diction, vocabulary, communication skills and confidence. Everything about them is so flawless, which shows the effort that goes into it.”

Going down memory lane, she recounts, “I not only won Femina Miss India and Miss Asia Pacific in 1970, but I was also crowned Miss Photogenic. I remember doing my own make-up and hair, and picking my own costumes. In those days, we did not have such support systems. We just put our best foot forward. I am glad that the girls now have a great team working with them.”

Ask the actress about films becoming a natural choice for most pageant winners and she says, “No, it is not mandatory. Reita Faria (Miss World 1966) was a doctor. It seems that most prefer to join showbiz, but not all want to become actresses. I am happy that the youth of our country is exposed to a global culture through various digital platforms and they have knowledge of a lot more things now. I hope that the young men and women of our country continue to shine and make us proud.”