Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu: Beauty pageants will continue to evolve over time

The 21-year-old on life after winning the prestigious crown, wanting to act in a biopic, and a year of advocacy ahead of her

Earlier this month in Israel, a 21-year-old girl hailing from a small town in Punjab made history by becoming only the third Indian woman to be crowned Miss Universe. Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu won the prestigious title — 21 years after Lara Dutta in 2000 — with clips of her final answer in the Q & A round going viral.

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When asked by host Steve Harvey on the advice she would give young women out there dealing with the pressures they face today, Harnaaz said, “The biggest pressure the youth of today is facing is to believe in themselves. To know that you are unique and that is what makes you beautiful; stop comparing yourselves with others and let’s talk about more important things that’s happening worldwide.”