MAM
HDFC Life promotes ULIP through anti-bullying campaign
MUMBAI: HDFC Life Insurance Company has launched a new ad campaign on Unit Linked Insurance policies for planning children’s future. The ad highlights the issue of bullying and conveys a message that parents need to empower their children to fight their own battles, making them self-reliant.
The campaign emerged from a consumer insight that parents are inherently wired to be protective towards their children, but at the same time, they also want their children to be equipped with life-skills to navigate through the unexpected twists and turns that life throws their way. It shows parents’ efforts in preparing their loved ones for the future. The TVC will run for one and half months.
The film narrates the story of a young boy who is bullied for his weight. The twist comes when the father, although concerned for his child’s well-being, sends him back to confront his tormentors. HDFC Life has tried to highlight the valuable life lessons that parents try to inculcate in their children; making them face their fears against their natural instincts of protecting their children. The film brings out the brand thought of ‘Apno Ko Apne Dum Pe Jeena Sikhao’, an interpretation of ‘Sar Utha Ke Jiyo’, showing the breadwinner of the family as more than just a conventional financial provider.
The ad articulates the essence of the brand – helping your loved ones live with pride while making sure they have a secure future. And ULIPs offer dual benefits of growth and security which enables one to fulfil long-term financial goals and also ensures financial security. Thus, the campaign brings to light the necessity of not only providing financial strength in achieving future dreams but also the strength of character that helps one endure times of difficulty.
HDFC Life executive vice president of strategic alliances, bancassurance and marketing Pankaj Gupta says, “As parents, financial security is not the only gift we want to leave behind for our children. We also want them to be emotionally independent. Our motto of ‘Sar utha ke jiyo’ is all about holding one’s head high no matter what the situation is.
“Through this campaign, we aim to convey this in the context of a prevalent concern among children – bullying. Instead of showing the child as the victim and having viewers sympathising with him, we wanted to show how the right kind of encouragement from parents empowers and prepares him to face the future. Planning for the child’s future and securing it, is the priority for every parent. In fact, our research shows this as one of the key reasons for buying life insurance, especially the savings and investment plans. Our ULIP offerings enable parents to plan their child’s future over the long-term,” he adds.
Leo Burnett South Asia chief creative officer Rajdeepak Das mentions, “To truly imbibe ‘Sar Utha Ke Jiyo’ in today’s world, we needed to understand what’s happening with the kids today. Of the many problems that they face today, bullying is something that kids are unable to tackle head on. We wanted to use this as a metaphor to highlight the importance of teaching children to be emotionally independent. I am proud of how our philosophy flows through this entire campaign, and I am confident consumers will relate to it and do what is best for the emotional health of their children.”
Brands
Sapphire Foods FY26 revenue rises to Rs 3,125 crore, posts loss
Q4 revenue at Rs 792 crore, FY26 loss at Rs 32 crore amid cost pressures.
MUMBAI: If growth is on the menu, profitability seems to have taken a brief detour. Sapphire Foods India reported a steady rise in topline for FY26, even as rising costs weighed on profitability. Revenue from operations grew to Rs 3,125 crore for the year ended March 31, 2026, up from Rs 2,882 crore in FY25. However, the company swung to a loss, reporting a net loss of Rs 32 crore for FY26, compared to a profit of Rs 17 crore in the previous year. Total income for the year stood at Rs 3,153 crore, while total expenses climbed to Rs 3,167 crore, reflecting pressure across key cost heads.
In the March quarter, revenue came in at Rs 792 crore, compared to Rs 711 crore in the same period last year. The company reported a quarterly net loss of Rs 13 crore, against a profit of Rs 2 crore a year earlier.
Cost pressures remained visible across operations. Material costs rose to Rs 995 crore for FY26, while employee expenses increased to Rs 428 crore. Other expenses, the largest component, stood at Rs 1,229 crore, underscoring the impact of store operations and expansion-related spends.
Depreciation and amortisation expenses also climbed to Rs 392 crore for the year, reflecting continued investments in store infrastructure and growth.
At the operating level, the company reported a loss before tax of Rs 37 crore for FY26, compared to a profit of Rs 23 crore in FY25. Exceptional items added Rs 24 crore to the cost burden during the year.
On the balance sheet, total assets rose to Rs 3,256 crore as of March 31, 2026, up from Rs 3,041 crore a year earlier, indicating ongoing expansion. Net worth stood at Rs 1,389 crore.
Despite profitability pressures, operating cash flow remained resilient at Rs 507 crore, highlighting underlying business strength and demand stability.
The numbers paint a familiar picture in the quick-service restaurant space, growth continues to be served hot, but margins are still finding their footing.
