Kati Patang founders Lata Upadhyay and Shantanu Upadhyay have always had a passion for beer, which grew even stronger during their ten years in Boston and New York. Along the way, they became completely immersed in the craft beer world, drawn by its creativity, freedom, and community spirit.
When Shantanu and Lata moved back to India, they found themselves itching to create something of their own by stepping away from the corporate grind and build something meaningful to them. Craft beer was the obvious choice. We interviewed them about their journey, the brewing process, and their brand’s design approach.
Tell us about the thought behind the name Kati Patang. What does it reflect?
Lata Upadhyay: The craft beer movement, to us, stands for freedom. Freedom from mass-produced, industrial beers. Kati Patang embodies that same spirit of unbridled freedom. The name evokes the image of a kite soaring high, floating joyfully the moment it breaks free from the last thread holding it back. For us, Kati Patang symbolizes that exact feeling: liberation, creativity, and pure self-expression.
The brand was born out of our own urge to break free, to unshackle ourselves, and to create something honest and true. We see this as the heartbeat of New India, bold, expressive, unapologetic. Kati Patang celebrates that creative alter ego within each of us. It’s an invitation to tune in, let go, and embrace your uninhibited self...to be who you really are.
Could you walk us through your brewing process, and elaborate on your focus on restoring the Himalayas?
LP: Our beers are rooted in India but brewed for a global palate. We take classic recipes and reimagine them with a bold Indian twist by using locally sourced ingredients that add both character and story. For example, our Snappy Wheat isn’t your typical Witbier. We infuse it with turmeric, ginger, peppercorn, and coriander, spices that lend it a vibrant, unmistakably Indian finish. Our Saffron Lager features saffron sourced straight from Pampore, Kashmir, giving it a delicate balance of floral aroma and subtle bitterness that lingers beautifully. And our strong beer, Bareilly Bold, is brewed with Palash flowers, which bring an earthy, grounded note you rarely find in strong beers. We’re very particular about quality, from the finest 2-row base malt and specialty malts to premium hops that elevate every sip.
And since our beers are brewed in the Himalayas, we wanted to give back to the mountains that inspire us. It started small, with community plogging drives in Manali, and has now grown into something much more meaningful. This year, we’ve taken up a project to rejuvenate a few natural springs in the Nirmand area of Kullu. We’re working closely with local communities to revive these water sources and build awareness around conservation. The real impact of our work will start showing by next summer, so fingers crossed! But it feels incredible to know that every pour of Kati Patang carries a little bit of that Himalayan spirit that is pure, alive, and free.
What is your design language, and how do your visuals tie into your philosophy?
LP: The spirit of freedom lies at the heart of Kati Patang’s design language, a freedom to create, to play, and to be imperfect. The name itself, meaning ‘cut kite,’ captures that moment of release, and every visual choice reflects the same sense of liberation. Nothing feels overly polished or predictable. Instead, the brand embraces intentional imperfections: textured backgrounds, distressed typography, and elements that lean slightly off-center, giving the identity a raw, spontaneous edge. Kati Patang’s design doesn’t just look free, it feels free. It’s a celebration of originality, creative instinct, and the joy of breaking away from the expected.
What’s next for Kati Patang?
Shantanu Upadhyay: Our BSE-listed company, Kati Patang Lifestyle Limited, has a stated vision of building more than just a beer brand. Kati Patang is an ‘experience’ first brand, bringing together music, art, adventure, and social connections through immersive events, pop-ups, and collaborations. We are also actively positioning ourselves as an incubator and champion for emerging brands in the premium alcoholic spirits and the complementary lifestyle space, helping them navigate India’s complex regulatory landscape and capital constraints. Please stay tuned to frequently hear from us.
Words Neeraja Srinivasan
Date 12.12.2025