Tattoo aren't a passing fad. What started out as a cool mantra among youngsters is today also capturing the imagination of the working class with responsible jobs.
“It’s something you do for yourself completely. You need to connect with what you sport on your skin, since a tattoo is permanent,” says Raj K. Gopalakrishnan, 30, producer-founder of Blue Mango Films, a Delhi production house. Raj dons three tattoos, one of which is that of a Red Indian Hoppe.
“The kind of tattoo you go for often depends on the kind of music you listen to, or the kind of person you are. I listen to good old Rock’n’Roll and belong to an informal biking group and the spirit is visible in my tattoos. A tattoo, of course, shouldn’t interfere with your professional image. You should just know how to carry it off,” he says. His tattoo of the Red Indian chief reveals his love for Jim Morrison, who was inspired by Red Indians.
Most tattoo addicts agree on one point: You should be mature enough to go for a tattoo. Says homemaker Sandra Malhotra, 30, who’s a mother of two: “You must know well the pros and cons because a tattoo can’t be erased. I’d say parental consent is a must if you’re below 21.” Sandra got a tattoo done on her shoulder three months back because “it’s acceptable to sport one these days”.
Sandra also has this tip for tattoo freaks: “One should be careful about the spot you choose for your tattoo. After all, often it’s just a personal statement you wish to make, and you may not wish to flaunt it. I got mine done frankly because I was getting bored,” says Sandra, who got her tattoo from Funky Monkey in Gurgaon.
Purnima Rao, 25, cautions that tattooing is definitely not for the faint at heart or those who aren’t sure of themselves. “Once you get it you have to live with it, so be sure. I got a rose tattoo from Funky Monkey just for myself – it’s a good feeling. Also since our culture isn’t very receptive to tattoos yet, get yours at a spot where you can flaunt it and hide it as the need be.” Rao feels Delhi has good tattoo artists now, who take care of hygiene.
Delhi based tattoo artist Michael Glenn Cowasji doesn’t charge for the cover-ups but doesn’t recommend them either. “It’s a slightly difficult procedure, so when you are getting a tattoo be doubly sure you want it for good,” he says.
Interior Designer Amit Chhabra, 27, who has three tattoos, feels one should go for a tattoo only after the age of 20. “By then you are settled and know what you want. I got a barbwire tattoo when I was 19 and recently got a makeover since I was unhappy with it. A makeover costs you just the double amount. By the time you are 27, you want to show off a tattoo. You want it just to please yourself,” says Chhabra, who now sports a Mauri tattoo. He also plans to get a turquoise green Ganesha tattoo on the whole of his back next week that will cost him 15,000. Now that certainly isn’t what you call a passing fad!
Delhi based tattoo artist Michael Glenn Cowasji doesn’t charge for the cover-ups but doesn’t recommend them either. “It’s a slightly difficult procedure, so when you are getting a tattoo be doubly sure you want it for good,” he says.
Interior Designer Amit Chhabra, 27, who has three tattoos, feels one should go for a tattoo only after the age of 20. “By then you are settled and know what you want. I got a barbwire tattoo when I was 19 and recently got a makeover since I was unhappy with it. A makeover costs you just the double amount. By the time you are 27, you want to show off a tattoo. You want it just to please yourself,” says Chhabra, who now sports a Mauri tattoo. He also plans to get a turquoise green Ganesha tattoo on the whole of his back next week that will cost him 15,000. Now that certainly isn’t what you call a passing fad!