Miss Universe, Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu opened up about being bullied and body shamed for gaining weight.
Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu made the nation proud when she won the coveted title of Miss Universe in 2021. It was after 21 years when Harnaaz brought the title home by winning the 70th edition of the pageant in Eliat, Israel. Since then, the diva has been winning the hearts of millions and the victorious moment was celebrated by every Indian.
In August 2021, Harnaaz was shortlisted as one of the Top 50 semi-finalists of Miss Diva 2021. She had won titles like Miss Beautiful Skin Miss Beautiful Smile, Miss Photogenic, and Miss Talented, Harnaaz had found her way to the top 10 of Miss Diva 2021. During the pageant, Harnaaz had expressed herself as:
"From a young girl with fragile mental health who faced bullying and body shaming to a woman who emerged like a phoenix, realising her true potential. From an individual who once doubted her own existence to a woman who is aspiring to inspire the youth. Today, I stand proudly in front of the Universe as a courageous, vivacious and a compassionate woman who is all set to lead a life with a purpose, and to leave behind a remarkable legacy."
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Harnaaz has been facing a lot of online trolling for her weight gain. Speaking to People, the Miss Universe talked about being bullied and body-shamed for her weight and said:
"Physically I have kind of grown, got more pounds and increased my weight, which I am totally comfortable about right now. I was bullied for gaining weight. It was kind of uncomfortable and really surprising for me to see how people started having their opinions, which should not really matter."
In the same interview, Harnaaz also talked about breaking down several times in the most unexpected moments while recalling the insensitive comments. The model-turned actress is suffering from celiac disease because of which she is allergic to many food items. Talking about the same, Harnaaz stated:
"I have a gluten allergy. I can't have wheat or anything which contains wheat. Apart from that, I also have some soy allergy and coconut allergies. I'm allergic to eggs and I kind of realised that when I came to New York. Because (eggs are considered) vegetarian and it's known as non-vegetarian in India. It took me time to realize that the things which I was allergic to, I was still having. I didn't know.”
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Harnaaz concluded her interview by stating that it is ok to be imperfect and one needs to embrace their flaws. She shared her story to motivate people who have dealt or are dealing with the issues of body image and self-love.
More power to you Harnaaz! You are an inspiration to millions.
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