We spoke to Mumbaikars who are inked and proud. Here, they recommend their tattoo artists, and tell us exactly why you ought to bookmark them if you plan on getting a tattoo (or ten) anytime soon!
LBB Tip: As a heads up, most of the prices were applicable at the time the tattoos were done. We’d advise you to take that as a ballpark figure, and go on from there.
Headed by Archana Nakhua Bhanushali & Nikhil Bhanushali, Ace Tattooz is a team of 8-10 super talented artists who’re known for their unique designs for more than 10 years now!
Recommended because: Archana, the stalwart of the crew, was awarded the best female tattoo artist in India. She specializes in portrait tattoos and customized ones too and is known for her flawless color work & intricate designs featuring traditional Indian artwork. They also have a spacious lounge area sprawled over 2,000 sq. ft. with a pool table, a reading nook & a creative zone so you can cherish the good times as you get inked!
Ask For: Archana Nakhua Bhanushali (The Rockstar)
Shell Out: INR 2,900 for the first square inch of the tattoo; INR 1,200-1,500 per square inch post that.
LBB Tip: Archana Nakhua Bhanushali’s tattoos are sported by eminent celebrities like Ranveer Singh and Remo D’Souza.
Headed by Swapnil Parab, The Black Pearl Ink Studio is known for its artistic perfection and quality pricing. With more than 12 years of experience in the art of tattoo making, Swapnil is known for giving his 100% to each tattoo, ensuring you’re not only getting a tattoo but a work of art!
Recommended because: Swapnil is known for his jovial spirit, artistic finesse and mastery at the craft of tattoo making. From experimenting with designs to understanding your unique requirements, Swapnil knows the tattoo game all too well. Specializing in Maori tattoos, Realistic tattoos, and Concept tattoos, Swapnil takes your artsy ideas and turns them into spectacular artwork.
Ask For: Swapnil Parab.
Shell Out: INR 8,000 for a Buddha Tattoo and between INR 1,500 - INR 5,000 for smaller tattoos
(subject to change as per the tattoo design)
Shona Dias Daniell, a lover of getting meaningful tattoos done, has four tattoos out of which three she got done from Krayonz in Bandra. Every tattoo on her body comes with its story, be it her love for music or something that really fascinates her (spiritually and otherwise).
Recommended because: With Shona getting three tattoos from this studio is her own way of validating the quality of the artists there. The studio is headed by Sameer Patange. She tells us that though he only takes up a complex tattoo personally, the other tattoo artists are all trained under him and equally trustworthy. Krayonz may be on the expensive side but for Shona, the result is absolutely worth it as they are true professionals.
Ask for: Deepak if you want a watercolour tattoo as he is known for his watercolor work.
Shell Out: INR 2,800-INR 11,500 (subject to change as per the tattoo design)
LBB Tip: The studio’s illustrious celebrity list also includes the likes of Hrithik Roshan and Suzzanne Khan.
Raie Mahapatra got four of her lovely and meaningful tattoos from Zaheer Chhatriwala, a Bandra-based tattoo artist. Raie’s tattoos comes from a very personal space, be it the “Hope springs eternal” to the roses from The Tales of the Beedle Bard (Harry Potter anyone?), or her ode to her grandparents with the panda and their initials carved on her body. Do not forget to check Zaheer's Instagram page, and get yourself a bougainvillea tattoo. It's beautiful!
Recommended because: For Raie, Zaheer’s studio is like home as she felt comfortable there, sharing her vision with him. He is engaging, kind and non-judgmental, which she believes is a nice quality for any artist to have, especially when it comes to inking someone else. She does suggest booking in advance with him as he is a popular one with celebrities.
Ask For: Zaheer, as he is the sole owner of his personal studio
Shell Out: Ranges between INR 4,000 and INR 8,000 (subject to change as per the tattoo design)
Dial-Up: You can hit him up on his Instagram page directly. He is quick with his responses.
LBB Tip: Do make sure you take a photograph/print out of the design you want the artist to work with.
Roopali Singhal got her first tattoo three months back from Body Canvas in Bandra. This being her first tattoo, she wanted it to be unique and special, and thus, the angel wings were born. A design carefully chosen by her and her mother (also an ode to her) along with Everglow, a song from the band, Coldplay (which she tells us reminds her of her mother) in her mother's handwriting has been inked beautifully.
Recommended because: The tattoo was better than what she expected it to be. As generic as the Angel Wings are, the tattoo artist customised it for Roopali, giving her a better bargain of things. Sudhir Rao, her tattoo artist, made sure to keep up with her until she was 100 percent satisfied. After endless debates and discussions, she believes it could not have turned out better.
Ask for: Sudhir Rao (or in Roopali’s words the superstar tattoo artist)
Shell Out: INR 8,500 onward (subject to change as per the tattoo design)
Shalvi Mangaokar had always wanted a tattoo, and so in 2012 she got her first tattoo from the famous Al’s Tattoo And Body Piercing Studio in Bandra followed by her second one in 2013. A Tribal sun on the back of her neck, and a pretty one with flowers, stars and ferns on her anklet.
Recommended because: The artists are friendly and keep the customers engaged in conversation (to distract them from the pain) The studio has good music playing in the background which is comforting. Additionally, they are quick and really efficient with their job.
Ask for: Arun at Al’s.
Shell out: INR 3,800 for back tattoo and INR 9,000 for the anklet tattoo (subject to change as per the tattoo design)
LBB Tip: They do proper post ink care by giving rock salt and antiseptic medicine.
Samara Tijori has two tattoos, one on her ankle from 2013 and another one that she got in 2017. Both of her tattoos were done at Aliens Tattoo in Malad, which is run by Sunny Bhanushali. The tattoo on her ankle is the feather of a Phoenix, and the one on her back is the shape of her two dogs (basset hounds), with each of the years they were born in.
Recommended because: She tells us Sunny is excellent with his work and has other tattoo artists as well. All of them are friendly, hygienic, and engaging. If you have a design in mind, they will discuss it in length with you before inking you.
Ask for: Sunny Bhanushali
Shell Out: INR 8,500 for the anklet tattoo, and INR 5,000 for the back tattoo (subject to change as per the tattoo design
LBB Tip: Do book an appointment in advance.
Debayan Chattoraj, a resident of Kharghar, and a die-hard fan of mandala and geometric artwork places infinite trust on this Navi Mumbai tattoo parlour for his designs. He has been getting inked by Keval Patil, owner of Krossinks, since three years now and is only super proud of the designs on both his arms.
Recommended Because: Debayan says that Krossink's line and dot work is very clean, and that Keval can do free-hand designs in mandalas, without having to use templates for a rough sketch. The pricing is quite nominal too.
Ask For: Keval Patil, the founder and head tattoo artist in the studio.
Shell Out: INR 500 to 700 per square inch (subject to change as per the tattoo design)
Tanya Bhushan, a hip-hopper by profession, wanted a tattoo that's an extension of her personality. So she chose Aadesh and Eric Jason Dsouza, the ace tattoo artists from Iron Buzz Tattoos. She shares how comfortable her experience was, and how everything that she wanted in her tattoo was accommodated in the design skillfully.
Recommended Because: Founder Eric Jason has won 16 awards at the International Tattoo Conventions, and his studio is ranked as the best tattoo studio in Mumbai by GQ. The artists here never say no to any design reference that you show them. Plus their catalog has pretty unique tattoo options that you can go for. From geometric and travel-themed tattoos to an Avante Garde style, or Indian traditional and religious tattoos, there's a little bit of everything for every personality that walks into their studio.
Ask For: Eric Jason Dsouza, Aadesh G, Laxmi Bhalabhai
Shell Out: INR 1,600 per square inch (subject to change as per the tattoo design)
Darshneel Rajguru got her first tattoo from here and had a wonderful experience. The tattoo was quite an extensive one but Chirag Jhala and his team aced it. Right from design modifications to the end result, she had a very comfortable experience at the studio and keeps coming back with her friends to get more tattoos!
Recommended Because: Located in Andheri, Inks and Needles is one of Mumbai’s oldest tattoo studios. The brainchild of tattoo extraordinaire and industry veteran Chirag Jhala, this one ranks high among Mumbai’s elite and underground club for ten years. All artists here are trained professionals. Color or monochromatic, subtle or intricate, you name it and they'll nail it.
Ask For: Chirag Jhala, the founder of the studio.
Shell Out: INR 1,200 per square inch (subject to change as per the tattoo design)
Sanaya Vinod got her collarbone tattoo done from Insane Tattoos. She tells us how she grew up listening to people telling her how much it hurts while getting inked, especially on the bone. But Amritraj from the studio made sure her first tattoo is pain-free.
Recommeded Because: Amritraj Sachdev, the founder, and head artist here, combines realism with his abstract concept. Plus the studio is squeaky clean, with all safety measures being taken before inking anyone. The team has a unique tattooing style, and are the best players in Thane and Mulund.
Ask For: Amritraj, the founder, and senior tattoo artist at Insane.
Shell Out: INR 1,300 per square inch (subject to change as per the tattoo design).
Nariman Vazifdar, one of this studio's regular clients, tells us that he loves Savio D'silva's Fine Arts Studio because things are transparent here. Savio makes the tattoo designs on the spot, in front of his clients, and is also open to customszations.
Recommended Because: Savio is a talented tattoo artist, who is known for never repeating his designs. He draws the design on paper in front of his clients to make sure that they know what they are getting. He states that this process builds trust. He doesn’t use reference images and we won’t find a computer in his studio. He says, "I sketch from memory.” Now isn't that cool?
Ask For: Savio D'silva, the one-man crew and the owner of the studio.
Shell Out: INR 5,000 onward. Savio charges as per the design and not as per square inch.
Urvi Chheda got both her tattoos done from this studio and she loves the detailing and precision with which they were done.
Recommended Because: Leo Tattoos is home to some of Delhi's top tattoo artists, including Yogesh Waghmare. Clients appreciate the inviting and clean atmosphere as well as custom designs by artists who have years of experience.
Ask For: Yogesh Waghmare, a famous celebrity tattoo artist, and the expert at Leo Tattoos.
Shell Out: INR 1,700 per square inch (subject to change as per the tattoo design).