Bhatti was born in Stirling on 8 September 1993. His surname is of Indian origin; his paternal grandfather emigrated to Scotland from Ludhiana in the 1960s.[2] As a teenager he worked in an abattoir and as a nightclub door steward and applied unsuccessfully to become a police officer before turning professional in rugby.[2]
Bhatti started his youth rugby with Hillfoot Minis before moving on to Stirling County where he came through the age grades of midi and colts before playing for the senior side.[3] He then moved to play for Melrose.[3] He has played for the Caledonia district at Under 17, Under 18 and Under 19 age grades.[3] When not playing for Glasgow Warriors, Bhatti plays for Melrose RFC.[4]