Harnaaz Sandhu
made the country proud when she was crowned Miss Universe 2021 earlier this month. The Chandigarh-based model-actor brought home the honour 21 years after
Lara Dutta had won the title in 2000. During a recent interview, Harnaaz reacted strongly to trolls who claimed that she won the prestigious pageant only because she has a ‘pretty face’.
Miss
Universe Harnaaz Sandhu
stated that she knows the amount of effort that went into earning this prestigious win and that instead of arguing with the trolls, she would rather work hard to make them realize her worth. She added that winning this honour was a lot like an ‘Olympic’ win and questioned why a sports-person representing the country is appreciated but not beauty pageant winners. Harnaaz concluded by stating that mindsets are now changing, and that she is happy to be breaking stereotypes.
Speaking about her plans for the coming year, Harnaaz had exclusively told
ETimes
, “My advocacy is regarding women empowerment and for this, For this, I have been focusing on my community because I have seen how my mother has dealt with a patriarchal system. I would like to talk about women empowerment all around the world, beginning with menstrual hygiene because it all starts from within. When you have a healthy body and mind that's when you can follow your purpose and passion. We need to take action now, then only can we look forward to the future.”