Indranil Chatterjee

Some call it work, he calls it art.

Imagine a young boy sprinting across the football field, dribbling past defenders, and scoring the winning goal. Or perhaps, picture him scaling the icy peaks of the Himalayas, conquering new heights as a mountaineer. Indranil Chatterjee’s journey could have taken many different turns, but destiny had a different plan—one that led him to become a luminary in the world of hospitality.

Born and raised in Dankuni, Kolkata, Indranil was a district-level footballer and even played for Mohamadan (Junior). He had dreams of becoming a professional athlete or a mountaineer, having completed his course at the prestigious Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling. But dreams, sometimes, must make way for reality. The need for financial stability guided him towards a different path—one that would ultimately become his passion.

His uncle and aunt, Mr. Atanu Banerjee and Mrs. Kakoli Banerjee, recognized his potential and encouraged him to pursue a career in hotel management. It was during an 18-month crash course, juggling studies with on-the-job training, that Indranil found his true calling. The Astor Hotel became his first training ground, with Cheers and Cloud 9 nightclubs introducing him to the electrifying world of bartending. Within just a month, he was in love—not with a person, but with the industry itself.

What started as a job soon became a mission. From a trainee steward to an esteemed Beverages Trainer, Indranil’s journey is one of relentless pursuit. His career progression tells a story of dedication:

Trainee Steward ➡️ Trainee Bartender ➡️ Bartender ➡️ Senior Bartender ➡️ Bar Executive ➡️ Bar Manager ➡️ Restaurant Manager ➡️ Operations Manager

Currently, Indranil has embarked on a new journey as a Beverages Trainer, sharing his expertise and passion for the craft. Today, he serves as the Brand Development Head at Parsan Enterprise LLP, a leading liquor distribution company, while also being a Certified Trainer for the International Bar Association.

Indranil’s expertise has earned him prestigious awards, including:

• Winner of Bacardi Martini Grand Prix - Cocktail Competition

• Runner-up at Corralejo Tequila Championship

• Completion of MAISON Graduation on Alcohol Program

• Representation of India in an International Cocktail Competition in China

Some collect trophies, some collect wisdom—Indranil with the man who wrote the rulebook!

Indranil is not just a trainer but a mentor to many. As one of the founders of the Bartenders Community East—the largest in India—and President of the India Bartenders Guild (East Zone), he is shaping the future of the industry. He believes in preserving the traditional values of hospitality while embracing modern trends, ensuring that service remains rooted in respect and excellence.

Every great bartender has a story of mishaps, and Indranil is no exception. Once, while perfecting his flair bartending skills, he accidentally shattered syrup bottles—only to have the sticky sweetness rain down on an unsuspecting guest. If anything, this incident reinforced his core belief: Patience is the secret ingredient to success.

Not just a picture, but a masterclass in bartending!

The lights of Macau shone bright, but Indranil Chatterjee’s passion shone brighter. Chosen by the India Bartenders Guild and its president, Mr. Archita Singhal, he wasn’t just representing himself—he was carrying the spirit of Indian bartending to the international stage.

The competition, organized by the Macau Bartenders Association and IBA, was a world-class event featuring top talent from 23 countries. The challenge? To craft a Baijiu-based cocktail—China’s most iconic yet complex spirit. But Indranil did more than just mix flavors; he blended storytelling with innovation. And the world took notice—his creation was awarded Best Story Recognition, proving that a great cocktail isn’t just about taste, but the tale it tells.

As if that wasn’t enough, Indranil took on another challenge—the prestigious IBA (International Bartenders Association) certification. With relentless dedication, he aced the exams with 89%, making him only the second IBA-certified Beverages Trainer in India.

Indranil with legends of the bar world

Indranil’s aspirations go beyond personal success. He dreams of opening a school for aspiring hoteliers, specifically for those who lack the financial means to pursue formal education. His goal is simple yet profound: To create the best professionals for the hospitality industry.

Through honesty, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Indranil Chatterjee continues to inspire and elevate the hospitality industry. His philosophy? Love your job every day, embrace challenges with a smile, and never stop learning.

When it comes to indulgence, he finds joy in the delicate artistry of sushi and the timeless elegance of a perfectly crafted Gin & Tonic. But beyond his professional pursuits, his greatest pillar of strength is his wife, Archita Chatterjee, whose unwavering support and encouragement inspire him to uplift and empower others in the industry. As the industry evolves, one thing remains certain—Indranil is here to leave a lasting impact, one cocktail, one lesson, and one mentorship at a time.

Lost in translation, found in cocktails ;)

Years of dedication, countless cocktails, and an unshakable passion—all leading up to this moment. This isn’t just a win, it’s proof that hard work and hustle always find their reward. This one’s for the craft, the hustle, and all the late-night pours!

From Kolkata’s bars to Macau’s global stage, Indranil’s journey is proof that dedication and passion can take you anywhere. Competing against the best, earning top honors, and becoming India’s second IBA-certified trainer — he’s just getting started.

narrated by Indranil Chatterjee

penned by Sanjay Ghosh (Dada Bartender) and Jitendra Khater