Chennai got its first mobile tattoo studio on Wednesday. As exciting a prospect as this may sound for enthusiasts who are familiar with the experience, newbies to ‘needle-art’ can be certain this is just as safe, says Naveen Kumar, owner of Irezumi. Having catered to the likes of bigwigs such as Surya, Trisha, Udayanidhi Stalin and wife Kiruthiga, he explains, “A lot of high-end clients and celebrities have requested us to come to their homes, but I can never guarantee that a house is as sterilised as my studio.”
And so the idea of a mobile tattoo studio came into being, close to five years ago. But is tattoo-work even possible on the move? “Absolutely not,” he immediately dispels any misinterpreted notion of ‘tattoos and travel.’ “The mobile studio is meant to take the option to people who are far away or want it done separately with friends, but there will be no ‘mobility’ while drawing the tattoo.” Phew, that’s a relief!
The studio on wheels parked outside Irezumi on College Road is already getting quite a bit of attention from passers by with its distinct tattoo covered exteriors - ranging from a fierce tiger, claws beared, crouched for attack to a calming pink lotus. “Our plan is to park it at different areas during the week, say Anna Nagar for a few days, then Besant Nagar later...” explains Naveen, “but mostly it can booked for house calls, which is something we couldn’t do earlier.” Granted, this tempo traveller won’t be too difficult to spot in traffic either.
As for the inside of the tattoo bus, he assures us it provides all the same features and equipment that a regular studio would have. Perhaps the only restriction is that the beige recliner meant for clients is a single seater. Directly above the seat is a full length mirror. “That should keep the ladies distracted while we get to work,” Naveen cracks a joke. Up in front of the recliner is a video monitor attached to laptop that can be used to view design choices or play a mellow tune to calm a nervous first timer.
Also present at the event was actor Vasundhara Kashyap. The Poraali famed actress who already bears a simple black swastik and Om tattoos on her wrist says that she might be getting another one soon. “I’m thinking of a heart this time,” the pretty lass smiles. No doubt she’s captured quite a few already.