Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu is an Indian model and beauty pageant winner who captured the world’s attention as Miss Universe 2021. As the third Indian woman to win this prestigious title, she brought the crown back to India after 21 years. Known for her grace, advocacy for inclusivity, and passion for empowering women, Harnaaz has become a global role model. Her journey from a small-town girl in Punjab to an international stage reflects her determination, authenticity, and commitment to meaningful causes like mental health and body positivity.
Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu Wiki/Bio
| Full Name | Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu |
| Date of Birth | March 3, 2000 |
| Age | 25 years (as of 2025) |
| Profession | Model, Beauty Pageant Titleholder, Actress |
| Hometown | Chandigarh, Punjab, India |
| Current Residence | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Religion | Sikh |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
| Instagram ID | @harnaazsandhu_03 |
Physical Details
| Height | 5’9” Feet (175 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 55 kg |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu Early Life
Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu was born and raised in Chandigarh, Punjab, in a close-knit Sikh family. Growing up, she was deeply connected to her cultural roots, which shaped her grounded personality. Her mother, a gynecologist, and her father, a businessman with a farming background, played a big role in her journey.
Harnaaz’s mom supported her dreams early on, encouraging her to pursue pageantry despite initial hesitation from her father due to their traditional background. She started participating in local competitions, which sparked her passion for representing India on a global stage.
Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu Education
Harnaaz completed her schooling at Shivalik Public School in Chandigarh. She pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology from Post Graduate Government College for Girls, Chandigarh.
Alongside her academics, she trained in public speaking and modeling, which helped her excel in pageants. Her education gave her a strong foundation, balancing her ambition with discipline.
Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu Family Details
Harnaaz’s family has been her backbone. Her mother, Dr. Rabinder Kaur, was her biggest cheerleader, pushing her to chase her dreams despite societal expectations. Her father, Pritpal Singh Sandhu, initially struggled to understand pageantry due to his rural roots but later became her proud supporter, calling her “Punjab’s Sherni” and “India’s Sherni” after her national win, and “Universe’s Sherni” after Miss Universe.
Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu Career Highlights
Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu’s career took off when she won Liva Miss Diva 2021, earning the chance to represent India at Miss Universe. In December 2021, she made history by winning Miss Universe 2021 in Eilat, Israel, becoming the third Indian woman to claim the title after Sushmita Sen (1994) and Lara Dutta (2000). With only 30 days to prepare, Harnaaz showcased her confidence, authenticity, and ability to connect with global audiences.
Her reign as Miss Universe was a whirlwind of growth and advocacy. She traveled the world, working with organizations like Global Citizen and Plan International, focusing on mental health, body positivity, and women’s empowerment. A highlight was her appearance on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah in 2022, where she taught Bollywood dance moves and discussed breaking beauty stereotypes. Harnaaz also ventured into acting, making her debut in the Punjabi film Bai Ji Kuttange (2022) and later appearing in Yaaran Diyan Poun Baaran (2023).
In 2022, she crowned Divita Rai as Liva Miss Diva Universe, passing on the legacy with grace and support. Harnaaz continues to inspire through her advocacy, emphasizing inclusivity and self-acceptance.
Career Milestones
| Milestone | Details |
| Pageant Debut | Won Femina Miss India Punjab 2019 |
| Breakthrough | Liva Miss Diva 2021, leading to Miss Universe |
| Miss Universe Win | Won Miss Universe 2021 in Eilat, Israel |
| Acting Debut | Bai Ji Kuttange (2022), Punjabi film |
| Global Appearance | The Daily Show with Trevor Noah (2022) |
Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu Advocacy and Achievements
| Achievement | Details |
| Miss Universe 2021 | Third Indian to win, brought crown back after 21 years |
| Advocacy | Promotes mental health, body positivity, and women’s empowerment |
| Global Impact | Worked with Global Citizen, Plan International, and spoke on inclusivity |
| Acting Projects | Starred in Bai Ji Kuttange (2022) and Yaaran Diyan Poun Baaran (2023) |
| Media Appearances | Featured on The Daily Show, joined Priyanka Chopra as a rare Indian guest on U.S. late-night shows |
Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu Net Worth and Income
| Estimated Net Worth | Approx. 8-10 crore INR (as of 2025) |
| Estimated Annual Income | 70-90 lakh from pageant winnings, endorsements, acting, and appearances |
| Income Sources | Brand endorsements, acting projects, global appearances, social media |
Harnaaz earns through her Miss Universe title, brand collaborations, acting roles, and international appearances. Her growing presence in entertainment and advocacy boosts her income.
Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu Controversies
Harnaaz faced criticism on social media for her weight gain during her Miss Universe reign, with some questioning her fitness for the title. She addressed this gracefully, emphasizing body positivity and mental health, turning negativity into a platform to inspire others. She also advocates for responsible social media use, urging people to uplift rather than troll.
FAQs About Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu
What is Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu known for?
She’s known for winning Miss Universe 2021, advocating for body positivity, and acting in Punjabi films like Bai Ji Kuttange (2022).
Where is Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu from?
She’s from Chandigarh, Punjab, and now lives in Mumbai.
Has Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu won any awards?
Yes, she won Miss Universe 2021 and Liva Miss Diva 2021.
What are Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu’s future plans?
She plans to expand her acting career and continue advocating for mental health and inclusivity.
Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu Recent Updates
- Miss Universe India 2024: Harnaaz attended the crowning of Rhea Singha as Miss Universe India 2024 in Jaipur, supporting the next generation of pageant winners (source: Times of India, September 2024).
- Mental Health Advocacy: In 2025, Harnaaz partnered with mental health organizations in India to launch awareness campaigns, focusing on destigmatizing therapy (source: Hindustan Times, January 2025).
- Upcoming Projects: She’s reportedly in talks for a Bollywood film debut in 2026, following her Punjabi film success (source: India Today, March 2025).