You get robbed of things you love: Ami James

Ami James, host of hit show Miami Ink, on living on TV for six years, moving to New York for spin-off.

Living in the Bigg Boss House for three months seems bad enough. But internationally acclaimed tattoo artiste and TV show host, Ami James has been living with a camera hovering around his home, work, friends and even customers, for over six years.

HT Image

The reality show, Miami Ink, premiered in 2005 and since then has led to a series of spin-offs including LA Ink and London Ink in 2007. The subject of the original show was James’ parlour, Love Hate Tattoo.

Looking back at the days when he was just a tattoo artiste, James says, “A reality show gives you a form of fame. It’s something that you are not aware of until it happens. And when fame comes, certain things are lost forever or for a while.” Explaining that he misses freedom the most, he adds, “You lose some things you used to enjoy, like being able to just do your thing and not being bothered by your surroundings. In a way, you get robbed of things that you used to love. But there are perks. You’re able to provide for your family.”

Though James says he “would love to visit India” he hasn’t been able to do so far. Recalling some of the most bizarre tattoos, he says, “A face tattooed on the back. It was really odd. So, he would be able to watch his back. I was like, that’s pretty crazy.”