More Than Skin Deep

A tattoo is something that a person permanently creates on their body as a constant reminder of something important to them. For some, it may be a favourite verse or saying, while for others, it may be the image of a loved one or a symbol of strength and resilience.

Joe Manganiello got a large forearm tattoo with a special meaning while going through his divorce with Sofia Vergara. Aleksander Alex Ilic, Disha Patani’s rumoured boyfriend, had her face tattooed on his arm. Camila Mendes commemorated the success of the hit show Riverdale with a delicate tattoo on her inner arm. Angelina Jolie has over 21 tattoos, representing a personal experience, a family connection or a symbol of her unwavering spirit. David and Victoria Beckham each have the words “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine” inked in Hebrew.

While there is no single explanation for the increasing popularity of tattoos, researchers say people use them to express who they are, what they have lived through, and how they see themselves in relation to others and their social worlds. It’s about telling a life story or capturing a specific moment through art, to be remembered for the rest of life. “Tattoos serve as a way to communicate aspects of one’s identity, beliefs and experiences to the world,” says Lokesh Verma, founder of Devil’z Tattooz, who is tattoo artist to Remo D'souza, Taapsee Pannu and Swara Bhaskar.

“Tattoos, like other forms of art, can be a reflection of one’s inner thoughts and feelings, making them a one-of-a-kind window into one’s psyche,” he adds.

Personal expression

“Personal significance, cultural influences, memories, beliefs and emotions are all factors that influence the decision to get a tattoo. People reveal a part of their psyche and express their identity in a tangible, permanent form by selecting a design that resonates with them. The tattoo provides a window into their thoughts and emotions, says celebrity artist Vikas Malani, founder, BodyCanvas Tattoos.
“The decision to get a tattoo is a deliberate act that allows people to express their individuality and create a visual representation of who they are. A person’s values, experiences, beliefs, and emotions are reflected in the design, image or text that is permanently inked,” he adds.

He also notes that tattoos can be expressions of things people cannot ordinarily voice. “Some people get tattoos with darker or hidden meanings to express personal struggles, challenges or experiences that they may not be able to discuss openly,” he says. But he also sounds a note of caution – “Without their explicit explanation, it is critical to avoid making assumptions about the meaning of someone’s tattoo.” “I love the idea of tattoos, provided they’re connected to the person, and not just a random design,” says Taapsee Pannu. “I have two tattoos. One is the figure of a dancer on my calf because I am a great dancer. And the other one is my own name in ambigram — ‘TAPC’ — on my back.”
“People choose to get names, faces, places, fleeting moments of nostalgia, things dear to their hearts; things that have left a deep impression on their existence. A person’s tattoo style also reflects how they want to express themselves,” says Pallavi of Devil’z Tattooz.