Ink your identity with a touch of wisdom

Think tattoo and the stereotypical image that pops into one’s mind is that of a grunge-styled biker in a leather jacket and denims with an insane number of body piercings and barely any skin left uncovered in ink. But, when you sit for a conversation with Sameer Patange, one of the pioneers of tattoo art in India, you realise he’s anything but that. Also, he’s rather unassuming and there’s no complacency — he is, after all, Bollywood’s favourite tattoo artist. His clientele includes Hrithik Roshan, Kangana Ranaut, Sushmita Sen, Salman Khan and also stars closer home like Shruti Hassan and Amala Paul among many others. 

Having started out 16 years ago, at a time when tattooing wasn’t quite the buzzword in the country, the artist who is inking tattoo aficionados for a special session at The Park Chennai, till October 12, says things have quite changed for the industry. “There was so much scepticism initially surrounding it. There was an impression that the practice was relegated to the underbelly of the society. However, there has been a tremendous change in scenario over the last few years with celebrities and other influential people taking to it. There’s so much dignity attached to  tattooing now and it is considered a form of art in true sense of the word,” says Sameer adding that the future is bright for tattoo artistry. 

Today, tattoos are not a mere fad anymore. They’re much beyond than just conforming to the wannabe hipster stereotype getting inked with yet another angel or an overtly stylised feather or strings of random Chinese words. They’re about rebellion, identity, conveying political stance and culture. However, a significant number of people aren’t confident of what and why they want a certain tattoo. 

Sameer says it’s the moral responsibility of an artist to give the client a word of advice before one goes under the needle. “Most people don’t really realise what getting a tattoo means. So, it’s my responsibility as an artist to mention to the client as to what’s right and wrong. And what’s best for them. Artists must educate the clients and tell them they can come back when they’re ready,” adds Sameer. 

As a conscious decision, Sameer refrains from tattooing underage kids unless they are accompanied by an adult. Ask him why, considering he himself got inked for the first time at 16, he says with a grin, “That’s precisely why! That was the only tattoo I ever regretted. It was impulsive and immature.” However, the worst thing he says is being stuck with the name of an ex-flame, years after a nasty break-up. “Relationships may be short-lived but a tattoo is something you will have for the rest of your life. Make sure it’s meaningful and something you as an individual can relate to forever,” he concludes.