Katrina Kaif looks forward in 2021

With game nights, workout videos and fun with family andfriends, Katrina Kaif's social media platform has been followed avidly by fans.The actress recently spotted in PepsiCo India Slice's newly launched TVC whichencourages consumers to take the 'Sabse Thick Sabse Tasty' challenge therebyreaffirming its position as the thickest and tastiest mango drink in India.IANSlife caught up with the star to talk about the shoot, her days in lockdownand what she's looking forward to in 2021.

Q: How does it feel to be back to work after months oflockdown?

A: As much as I have learnt and grown internally during thelockdown I really did miss the hustle and bustle of my job. While the lockdownwas critical at that point, I made sure I spent quality time on things I rarelyget to do, but now that work has gradually begun with all the necessaryprecautions, I cannot be happier. The joy of filming is irreplaceable.

Q: Do you feel there is a difference between shooting in apre and in a post-Covid world?

A: There surely is a difference as maintaining socialdistancing and various other precautionary norms are a must unlike before. Butall the sets I've been on have made sure that the crews' safety is a prioritywhich makes it a very safe working place, giving us artists the creativeliberty needed.

Q: International travel is on standstill... did you manageto take a holiday or a getaway and how was it?

 A: I actually made a trip to Maldives during the pandemicfor the shoot of Slice's new 'Sabse Thick Sabse Tasty' campaign. I had mixedfeeling when I was getting ready for the trip -- on one hand I was excitedabout the shoot post the lockdown and on the other hand, I was nervous abouttravelling in the 'new normal' and ensured I took all the right precautions,throughout the trip -- COVID tests, ensuring social distancing, using facemasks. Shooting in Maldives was such an exhilarating experience and it was oneof the best shoots I had.

Also read: Elli AvrRam shot '24 hours non-stop' for new video 'Fidaai'

Q: Women's Day is around the corner, the lockdown has beenespecially tough on women, how do you feel they should celebrate this Women'sDay?

 A: I feel everyone has their own struggles to deal with,men, women, kids as well as senior citizens. The lockdown has been challengingfor everyone. We should be so grateful for our lives of privilege and thesetimes have been really hard for so many people. However, I'm glad to see howwomen have realised the importance of "me time" and hope theycontinue to take time for themselves even post the lockdown.

Q: What are you looking forward to in 2021 and what is theone lesson of 2020 you will carry with you forever?

 A: While 2020 has reminded me about the joys of littlethings, 2021 is a very exciting year for me as well. I'm thrilled about thework I'm doing and cannot wait to share it with the world.

Q: Last and certainly not the least why is Slice your go todrink in the summer?

 A: My association with Slice goes back a long time -- itgives me pure, indulgent joy to drink Slice. Slice is my favorite mango drinkand I am beyond excited to launch the new 'Sabse Thick Sabse Tasty' campaignthat exudes my confidence in the brand. I cannot wait for my fans to take thetaste challenge and discover the pleasure of drinking the thick and tasty Slicethemselves.

Speaking on the new campaign, Anuj Goyal, AssociateDirector, Tropicana and Slice, PepsiCo India said,"Consumers haveexpressed immense love for Slice which is a testament to our confidence in theproduct. However, we wanted to take a step further and encourage our consumersto take the new Sabse Thick Sabse Tasty blind taste challenge to bolsterSlice's position as the tastiest and thickest mango drink in India. We areexcited to reach out to our consumers this summer through this campaignfeaturing the incomparable Katrina Kaif."

The TVC film, set against the beautiful backdrop of a beach,shows brand ambassador posing the ultimate taste challenge to a fan. The blindtaste challenge set off by Katrina urges him to make a choice and take up thetaste challenge to discover the thickest mango drink in the market.