The heart of every Indian was brimming with pride after Harnaaz Sandhu won the Miss Universe 2021 crown at the contest held in Eilat, Israel, earlier this month. Harnaaz brought home the Miss Universe crown after 21 years and became the third Indian to win the title. The title was won by Sushmita Sen in 1994 and Lara Dutta in 2000.
In an exclusive interview with IndiaToday.in, Harnaaz Sandhu opened up about her Bollywood plans and also talked about the much-criticised question asked by host Steve Harvey on the Miss Universe grand finale stage.
Read excerpts from the interview here:
Did Sushmita Sen or Lara Dutta talk to you after your Miss Universe win? What did they say?
We all saw how beautifully they wished all of us. Of course, we will meet them sometime soon because we all are busy with our respective work and then there is Covid. I just came out of quarantine. So, let’s see how it goes.
During the grand finale, Steve Harvey asked you to do an animal impersonation on the world stage. This question was highly criticised as it was not deemed an appropriate question to be asked on a platform like Miss Universe. Did such a question startle you?
Why do think it is inappropriate for a beauty pageant? If you think beauty pageants are all about perfections, then I am sorry to say, it is not like that. I am happy that Steve, such a spontaneous and wonderful personality (one of my favourite personalities as well) asked me such a question that I could be myself on the stage and I got to showcase one of my big talents. After that, I was feeling so comfortable and I knew whatever I will do, I will enjoy the process. So, I am happy Steve asked me the question.
If Hollywood offers you the character of Cat Woman, will you do it?
Why not? I am a person who is a strong advocate for women’s empowerment and this is my vision. One of my passion is acting and breaking the stereotypes at the same time by choosing strong characters of what women are and can be. So, this will be the right thing to do.
We have seen both Sushmita and Lara make it big in Bollywood. What are your Bollywood plans?
It’s too soon to say because it has just got started. I think I will surely update everyone about this because now the decision that I make has to be very wise and thoughtful. So, don’t worry and stay calm and Harnaaz will update you.
If you get an opportunity to choose your co-star for your first Bollywood film, who would that be and why?
I think I would like to work with Priyanka Chopra, Lara Dutta and Sushmita Sen. Imagine how strong would that be if a film is made regarding women’s empowerment starring them. Imagine watching them all together again creating history.
