Mumbai’s footie fans want tattoos like their idols

In the run-up to the Football World Cup, along with creating slogan signs, chants and planning parties, football lovers back home are going in for a variety of tattoos related to the sport.
Celebrity tattoo artist Vikas Malani affirms footie fever is reaching a peak now, with the tournament a few days away. “There’s huge fan frenzy everywhere. People find getting tattooed is a good way to support the spirit of the game.They want everything from flags, to Ronaldo and Kaka’s face to logos of teams like Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal. But it’s Maradona who still rules, many people recently wanted his signature inked. Some people also change their tattoos when players change their clubs,” he says, adding that age is no bar.
“People of all ages are die-hard fans of the game.” Like, 52-year-old Gia Aranha, city-based travel professional who went in for the same tattoo that David Beckham has on the back of his palm. But isn’t he retired? “I’m his biggest fan,” she smiles, “How does it matter, he’s symbolic with football so I had to get it before the games start.”
Another tattoo artist Al Alva says that folks are queuing up for Gerard Piques’s face and Fabregas’ maori tattoo. And tattoo artist Chirag Jhala feels the footie body art is getting a community theme. “Some people are doing a group tattoo, which is the same for each person, as they are all supporting a single club. There are requests to make different footballs on the leg, in black and white. Plus, jersey tattoos of players like Wayne Rooney and Lionel Messi are in big demand, so is having a number tattooed in the colours of Brazil,” he adds.