HDFC Life unveils ‘The Missing Beat’ to raise CPR awareness

In observance of World Heart Day, HDFC Life, one of India’s leading insurers, launched a public interest initiative titled ‘The Missing Beat’ to raise awareness about the critical importance of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), a lifesaving technique.

Cardiac arrests are a leading cause of death in India, yet many remain uncertain about how to respond during such emergencies. CPR can be a decisive intervention when the heart stops or struggles to pump blood, and it plays a key role in other life-threatening scenarios such as heart attacks or near-drowning incidents. Despite its significance, less than 2% of India’s population is aware of CPR. This alarming gap prompted HDFC Life to introduce ‘The Missing Beat’ campaign to coincide with World Heart Day.

At the heart of the campaign is a powerful short film that follows the emotional journeys of four individuals, emphasizing the importance of being prepared to act in critical moments. The film highlights how knowing CPR can make the difference between life and death in cardiac emergencies. HDFC Life hopes to inspire audiences to become CPR-ready and recognize their potential to save lives.

Vishal Subharwal, Chief Marketing Officer & Group Head Strategy at HDFC Life, commented on the initiative: “At HDFC Life, we believe that true dignity comes not only from financial independence but also from the ability to help others during life’s critical moments. This campaign goes beyond raising awareness—it’s a call to action. We encourage every Indian to take the first step toward becoming CPR-ready. With the right knowledge, we can save lives and live the spirit of ‘Sar Utha Ke Jiyo.’”

Manesh Swamy, Managing Director & Chief Creative Officer of LS Digital, added: “This campaign is not just a message—it’s a movement. We have been hearing about the tragic consequences of sudden cardiac arrests for years, and with ‘The Missing Beat,’ we aim to inspire action. Every story in this film is crafted to evoke an emotional connection, grounded in real-life incidents. Our goal is to emphasize the life-saving power of CPR and drive the country toward being CPR-ready.”