Tattoos are more than ink on skin—they are intimate narratives, living mementos, silent declarations. Each line etched into flesh carries with it a story— whether delicately hidden or proudly displayed. Tattoos serve as a powerful form of self-expression, allowing people to carry pieces of their past, present, and future quite literally on their bodies.
Across the world, tattoos have also served as vital markers of cultural identity. From the intricate Maori moko that tells a story of lineage, status, and personal achievement, to the Japanese irezumi that communicates themes of nature, mythology, and strength, tattoos have historically carried deep symbolic and communal significance. Celebrated tattoo artist Manjeet Singh is better known in the tattoo world as Manjeet Tattooz, is highly regarded for his mastery in black-and-grey realism and hyper-detailed custom tattoos. His tattoos depicting Sikh iconography and intricate portraits are equally popular.
Singh is a pioneer in India’s tattoo revolution who has played a pivotal role in elevating the craft from taboo to a legitimate art form. Over the years, Singh has tattooed a long list of highprofile clients, including singer Mika Singh, actor Amit Tandon, cricketer Harbhajan Singh, Indian men’s hockey captain Manpreet Singh, and Punjabi artists such as Himanshi Khurana, Goldy (Desi Crew), Korala Maan, Gulab Sidhu, Byg Byrd, and Jordan Sandhu. “The name might be famous, but it’s the story behind the tattoo that matters,” says Singh who is widely credited with helping to transform public perception of tattoos in India. “While once seen as rebellious or lowbrow, tattoos are now embraced by a broad demographic—especially Gen Z,” he adds. “Gen Z doesn’t want just a design—they want meaning. They arrive with research and emotion. It’s not about defiance. It’s about identity,” says Singh.
Another growing trend is the increasing number of women getting tattoos. Singh estimates that nearly half of his clients today are women, many of whom seek tattoos as personal expressions of strength, independence, or healing. “For many women, tattoos are quiet affirmations. They are not trying to make noise— they are marking something important to them,” explains Singh. Still, Singh acknowledges that social inhibitions persist.
In more conservative circles, concerns about career prospects, family disapproval, or hygiene standards often deter individuals from getting inked. “India still doesn’t have a structured licensing or training system for tattooing. That needs to change. We need clear health and safety standards, especially now that the industry is growing,” he explains. Singh’s journey began in New Delhi, where he worked as a hand-painted film poster artist in the 1990s.
That experience shaped his unique understanding of realism, scale, and visual storytelling—all of which found a new canvas when he transitioned into tattooing in 2007. Entirely self-taught, Singh developed his skills through years of experimentation and observation, building a distinct style that blends photorealism with deeply personal narratives. Today, Manjeet Singh is one of only three Indian tattoo artists featured in The World Atlas of Tattoos, an internationally recognized compendium of the world’s most influential tattoo artists. He is also a Guinness World Record holder and the recipient of the ‘Best Portrait Tattoo’ award at the 2nd International Tattoo Convention in India.
His work has been showcased across tattoo expos in Canada, the UK, and Europe. Beyond tattooing, Singh is also a mentor and industry advocate. He conducts workshops, collaborates with regional studios, and actively travels across India to decentralize tattoo access and promote emerging talent. His aim is to create a safer, more professional tattoo ecosystem—not just in metros but across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities as well. Singh’s personal interests extend to collecting antique coins and memorabilia—a passion he rediscovered during the pandemic.
It’s a quiet reflection of his artistic soul, one rooted in history, meaning, and craftsmanship. With nearly two decades in the industry, Manjeet Singh has not only inked thousands of stories onto skin—he’s written one of the most important chapters in India’s modern tattoo movement. “India’s tattoo story is still unfolding. But I am proud to be part of that journey—not just for the art, but for the meaning it carries,” Singh rejoices. Tattoos tell stories that words sometimes can’t.
They are silent companions through life, layered with memory, meaning, and metaphor. “Whether they are tributes or transformations, the stories they capture live under the skin but speak volumes,” sums up Singh who is currently on a nationwide tattoo tour aimed at taking high-quality tattoo artistry to diverse corners of India.
