For a long time I thought that the word Tattoo was the Hindi word for Pony. In slang it also meant easy-peasy or something not to be taken seriously, so I got a bit of  shock when I heard that Tattoo also meant a Military Display, the first and last of which I saw at the  Sub Area grounds in Pune. This word pronounced with emphasis on the second syllable unlike the first as is done in Hindi, means  display of military might was indeed impressive with DR riders kicking up dust, well oiled bodies doing  Malkhamb and various bands from the units posted around marching smartly up and down the ground.

I found out yet a third meaning for this word when I saw Christine ( my granny’s maid) sporting a huge blue picture of Jesus on her forearm. That my mother told me was a tattoo which was an engraving of sorts done with ink on her skin. Christine would terrorise  me with visions of a burning hell to which my poor heathen soul was condemned while she ensured that her Christian soul would definitely go to Heaven especially since she had Jesus inked on her arm. When I tattled on her to my grandma, she of course consoled me that Christine was talking nonsense and having Jesus inked on your body did not ensure a place in heaven – performing good deeds and having a good heart did. Besides, she told me it was very “junglee” to have tattoos and Christine only revealed her lower class origins by resorting to such a “tribal” practice.

Forty Years On

My granny would have been shocked to know that today her 50 year old grand daughter is going to get a Tattoo done on her back. Yes, I’ve finally decided that the best way to disguise my discolouration on my skin on my back is to have a tattoo. So I’ve made an appointment with the best design studio in Mumbai to get my back tattooed. I haven’t yet decided on a design but I’m sure I’ll find something great that will complement my deep backed sari blouses .

I know my grandma will be shocked but I’m dying to wear those low cut blouses yet again.