Who is your tattoo?

Saif Ali Khan surpassed all the young heroes, and became the lover boy of Bollywood when he got Kareena���s name tattooed on his hand.
But, if tattoo is what it takes to affirm your love, then Saif has lost himself to the trend. For, the symbolism of tattoos has given way to portraits tattoos that are now favourite among tattoo enthusiasts. That too, with all the detailing of the eyes and lips that gives a true rendering of the face.
Portrait tattoos puts an end to the agonising exercise of deciding upon the right tattoo design. Speaking about the trend, tattoo artist Sabby says, ���It���s a rage these days. The customers are pleasantly amazed when they see the tattoo emerge, bearing perfect resemblance to the person they cherish so much. Obviously, it���s a pleasant feeling to have one���s beloved tattooed on the body.���
Tattoo enthusiasts are mad with joy about getting a portrait done. Amol Deshpande, who got his daughter���s portrait done, says, ���It���s my second tattoo. I am very emotionally attached to my daughter, and I am happy about getting her portrait for tattoo.��� He believes that a portrait makes more sense than an abstract symbol.
A lot of significance is attached to a tattoo. In the olden days, tattooing was a world wide practice. It Deepesh Shah, CEO of a tattoo equipment manufacturing company, says, ���The whole idea of going for a tattoo is that one should be able to relate to it. What could be more relevant than getting the picture of one���s parents tattooed. I got my mother���s portrait on one hand, and would soon be going for my father���s on the other.��� For some, they serve as the memory of a lifetime. Yashpal Singh is one of those. He flew down to Pune from Chandigardh to get the portrait of his daughter, whom he lost a year ago. He says, ���I have 11 tattoos on my body, but this tattoo is very special for me. The tattoo reminds me of her.���
Tattoo artist Deep explains, ���An average portrait takes three to four hours depending upon the detailing and a 3 to 4 inch portrait allows room for that. A good reference is also a very important with a good lighting and expression. Apart from the front flat view one also needs a �� view and a side view to get the details right.��� As for the pricing, he says a black and white portrait costs anywhere between Rs. 8000 to 15,000, and a colour portrait ranges from Rs. 12,000 to Rs. 20,000.
Aswin Srinivasan, an amateur photographer, who got a portrait of Ganesha tattooed on his back says, ���My friend persuaded me to get a tattoo done. I believe it���s auspicious to have a portrait of Ganesha on your body. Although I was not very keen on getting one, now I have started liking it.���
Devotees have their chosen deities tattooed on their bodies. There are others who show off their pets. So, if you hated tattoo for its vague symbolism, you now have a reason to fall in love with them.
amit.durgapal@timesgroup.com