Harnaaz Sandhu transforms into a never-seen-before avatar for the cover of Brides Today

“I want to keep using my visibility to spark change alongside entertaining through films”

Harnaaz Sandhu’s life has been nothing short of cinematic, meandering through the quiet bylanes of Chandigarh to the dazzling spotlight of the world stage. Crowned Miss Universe in 2021, she carried the pride of India with grace, standing tall among global icons. 

Yet, as the applause faded, and Harnaaz faced the harsh sting of being in the public eye—one that’s especially unforgiving towards a woman not at the peak of her fitness game—the debutante actor bounced back even stronger. She first drew the eye in a Diljit Dosanjh music video for his song Mombattiye and now for starring opposite Tiger Shroff in the fourth instalment of his action-packed Baaghi series. 

Her appeal is evident as she walks onto the set of our cover shoot, a tad under the weather, yet warm and welcoming. As Harnaaz snacks on some healthy cookies mid shots, Brides Today catches up with the Miss Universe winner on making her way into the challenging world of cinema and the learnings from her pageantry experience she carries forward with her.

Brides Today: After your modelling and pageantry experience, which, of course, culminated in the Miss Universe title in 2021, how did the move to acting come about? 

Harnaaz Sandhu: Acting was always a dream at the back of my mind. The Miss Universe platform gave me global exposure and confidence, but it also taught me that I had more stories inside me to tell. That’s when I knew I had to give acting a chance. I prepared by training, observing, and most importantly, learning to be vulnerable in front of the camera in a way I never had to before. 

BT: You’ve been in the public eye for years, but now that’s been amplified manifold with your Bollywood debut. Has it been overwhelming? 

HS: It can feel overwhelming; I won’t deny that. But I choose to see it as a blessing. I worked so hard to get here, and now that I’m here, I want to enjoy every second of it. The love, the opportunities, the challenges… I’m lapping it all up with gratitude!

“Pageantry taught me grace, discipline, and confidence. Cinema made me discover the raw, expressive side of myself”

If Harnaaz were a bride… 

Laid-back, or hands-on? 

A mix! I’d love to enjoy the process, but also add personal touches. 

An intimate home wedding, or destination wedding? 

An intimate destination wedding—the best of both worlds. 

Red, or pastels?

I’d do one of each! A classic red for tradition, and a pastel for a modern vibe. 

Lehengas, or saris? 

Lehengas for the big day. Saris for the celebrations around it. 

Which designer would you choose for bridalwear? 

I’d love to experiment… Perhaps Sabyasachi for the ceremony and Manish Malhotra for the party. 

Heels for style, or sneakers to dance the night away? 

Sneakers hidden under a lehenga. Comfort is key when you want to dance till morning! 

Traditional heavy jewels, or contemporary bling? 

Traditional jewels for their emotional value, but I’d definitely add some fun contemporary pieces for a playful balance.

“I prefer traditional jewels for their emotional value, but I’d add some contemporary pieces for a playful balance”

BT: What motivated you to pick an action genre rather than starting with a more ‘traditional’ debut? What was particularly challenging while shooting? We know how intense Tiger’s training can be… 

HS: I wanted to surprise myself. Action requires stamina, discipline, and a lot of courage. Training was intense! The physical preparation, the fight sequences, and even getting the small details right. But honestly, the challenge is what made it so fulfilling. Starting with action has made me stronger, both mentally and physically. 

BT: What skills from your modelling days do you find most useful today? Poise, camera awareness, and public speaking perhaps? 

HS: Poise for sure, and the comfort of being in front of the camera. Also, being Miss Universe taught me how to think on my feet, which is surprisingly useful when you’re on set and things don’t go as planned. 

BT: On the flip side, is there anything you learnt earlier that you’ve had to unlearn or adjust to succeed in the movie world? 

HS: Every stage of life prepares you for the next one. My pageant journey taught me grace, discipline, and how to carry myself with confidence. Cinema, on the other hand, has encouraged me to discover a different side of myself—one that is raw, expressive, and deeply connected to emotions. It’s not about unlearning, but about adding new layers to who I am as an artist and as a person. 

BT: And if you had to point out the biggest differences between the two worlds? In terms of discipline, mindset, work environment… 

HS: Pageantry and cinema may be different, but both demand immense dedication. Pageantry is a long, rigorous journey of preparation and legacy, while cinema is about patience and living through a character day after day. One celebrates presenting your truest self with grace, the other celebrates immersing into a story

BT: How important is it for you to use your platform for social, healthcare or environmental causes alongside your work in films? 

HS: It’s extremely important! I’ve always believed that my platform isn’t just about me—it’s about the voices I can amplify. Women’s health, self-confidence, and empowerment are causes close to my heart, and I want to keep using my visibility to spark change alongside entertaining through films. 

BT: Where do you see yourself five years from now? What kinds of characters are you most keen to explore? Are you interested in diversifying—perhaps OTT series, and maybe even working behind the scenes? 

HS: Five years from now, I see myself experimenting with genres and all mediums. Why not all? I want to do roles that challenge me, maybe even something offbeat or completely unexpected. 

BT: Tell us about your inner circle. Who’s been your biggest supporter or critic? Or someone whose views helped shape your career decisions? 

HS: My family has always been my anchor. My mom is my biggest supporter but also my honest critic. Friends keep me grounded; they remind me of who I am beyond the spotlight. Their love and honesty help me make every significant decision with clarity. 

BT: You’ve gone through an incredible transformation. How much of it was about self-wellness versus external expectations one one’s appearance? 

HS: Transformation, for me, was never about just external expectations. It started with self-love and wellness, moving more, and taking care of my mental health. Yes, the industry has its pressures, but I chose to focus on feeling strong and confident from within. The appearance followed naturally. 

BT: How was your experience shooting for us? What were your favourite moments, especially with the bridal outfits and styles? 

HS: Honestly, it felt like stepping into a dream. Each outfit carried such a different mood—one made me feel regal, another playful, another romantic. My favourite part was how every look told a story, and I got to live them all in just one day. 

Credits

Editor: Ruchika Mehta (@ruchikamehta05)
Digital Editor: Sonal Ved (@sonalved)
Interview: Shraddha Chowdhury (@shraddha.skc)
Photographer: Sheldon Santos (@sheldon.santos)
Creative Direction: Avantikka Kilachand (@avantikkak)
Creative Stylist: Anushree Sardesai (@anushree_sardesai)
Cover Design: Mandeep Singh Khokhar (@mandy_khokhar19)
Editorial Coordinator: Shalini Kanojia (@shalinikanojia)
Hair Artist: Rohit Bhatkar (@rohit_bhatkar)
Makeup Artist: Lekha Gupta (@makeupbylekha)
Assistant Stylist: Jhanvi Khatwani (@jhanvikhatwani_)
Assistant Producer: Krishika Shirishkar (@krishikaa27)
Artist PR Agency: Tree-Shul Media Solutions (@treeshulmediasolutions) 
Location Courtesy: The Great Eastern Home (@greateasternhome)

Harnaaz is wearing outfit by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla (@abujanisandeepkhosla); Jewellery, Jagdish Jewellers (@jagdishjewellerschandigarh)