Lara Dutta had won the title of Miss Universe in 2000. 21 years later, she found her successor in Punjab's Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu, who was crowned at the 70th edition of the prestigious annual event held in Israel on December 12. Lara, now a successful actress, congratulated the 21 years old model-actress for making India proud. The actress penned a note for Miss Universe 2021 on Instagram.
"My dearest @harnaazsandhu_03, when I spoke to you yesterday, you promised me that ‘it will be worth it’!! YOU are worth all your triumphant glory and much, much more!! You had an unshakeable belief in yourself and JUST KNEW, you were born for this!! You were born in the year I won Miss Universe!!!. That’s how long we’ve waited for you to come along and lift that crown once more for India!! Perhaps, it was destined!! I know what lies in store for you, and I wish you a glorious reign!! May this only be the start of the heights you will scale! God bless you, my heartiest congratulations to your parents and family! The universe now, is your oyster- OUR STAR!" Lara wrote.
In 2000, Lara was Sushmita Sen's successor. The latter won the title in 1994. Sushmita lauded Harnaaz and wrote, "‘Har Hindustani Ki Naz’ Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu #MissUniverse2021 #INDIAAAAAA Soooooo proud of you!!!! Congratulations @harnaazsandhu_03 Thank you for representing India so beautifully, for bringing back the Miss Universe Crown to India after 21 years ( by a 21-year-old, you were destined). May you enjoy every moment of learning & sharing this incredible global platform @missuniverse will provide you….MAY YOU REIGN SUPREME!!! My love & Regards to your Maa & family…bohut bohut Mubarak."
Harnaaz, a resident of Chandigarh, has won titles like Times Fresh Face Miss Chandigarh 2017, Miss Max Emerging Star India 2018, Femina Miss India Punjab 2019 and LIVA Miss Diva Universe 2021. She has acted in two Punjabi films Yaara Diyan Poo Baran and Bai Ji Kuttange. Both are scheduled to release in 2022.
(Source: Instagram)
