Rediff.com« Back to articlePrint this article

Pix: When celebs put on fake tattoos

Last updated on: June 20, 2011 12:38 IST
Shah Rukh Khan in Don 2

Tradition, expression, fashion -- a tattoo means different things to different people. But the striking nature of this art form is guaranteed to make everyone sit up and take notice. And that's precisely what Bollywood strives for.

While a whole lot of coolness-driven celebrities are more than happy to get inked for good, many opt for a temporary option to lend their character an extra edge.

From Amitabh Bachchan's imposed declaration, 'Mera baap chor hai,' in Deewar to the exotic artwork on Amrish Puri's pate in Tehelka, tattoos are an enduring trend in Hindi films.

Here then is a look at some of the prominent temporary tattoos sported by Bollywood's hottest.

Shah Rukh Khan, Don 2

Contrary to the sleek style in Farhan Akhtar's successful remake of the 1978 classic, SRK opts for a rugged and menacing avatar in the sequel that comes out later this year. Part of the package includes a conspicuous D tattoo to underline the titular worth of the franchise.

Ajay Devgn, Golmaal 3

Last updated on: June 20, 2011 12:38 IST
Ajay Devgn
At present, Devgn's bare torso in Singham is a subject of great curiosity thanks to those super toned abs and a massive tattoo of Lord Shiva alongside his daughter's name, Nysa.

Only there's nothing transient about these designs that were visible in Golmaal 3 as well. Even so, the Celtic trishul on his neck was purely devised as part of his madcap look in the third edition of Rohit Shetty's long-running farce.

Deepika Padukone, Dum Maaro Dum

Last updated on: June 20, 2011 12:38 IST
Deepika Padukone
Frequently in news for her tattoos, she's got one on the back of her neck -- initials RK (she was formerly seeing actor Ranbir Kapoor) redesigned to TMK and another pattern adorning her ankle, Deepika Padukone goes all out to make her item song in Dum Maaro Dum an all-time sizzler with the lyrics and a huge cobra head suggestively peeping out of her fabulously flat tummy.

Kangna Ranaut, Tanu Weds Manu

Last updated on: June 20, 2011 12:38 IST
Kangna Ranaut
Getting the sweetheart's name inked on one's body isn't Saif Ali Khan's thing alone. As the quirky Tanu, Kangna Ranaut is quite pleased to reveal a naughtily concealed tattoo of her beau's name to put off a potential groom of her family's liking.

John Abraham, Force

Last updated on: June 20, 2011 12:38 IST
John Abraham
Ghajini redux, anyone? The lean-mean John Abraham shows off his killer bod and some inked symbols in this teaser poster of his new action flick, Force.

The actor plays a cop in this Hindi remake of Tamil hit, Kaakha Kaakha co-starring Genelia D'Souza.

Akshay Kumar, Blue

Last updated on: June 20, 2011 12:38 IST
Akshay Kumar
Everyone's got a glimpse of a stylishly inscribed Aarav on AK's back. Personal tattoos aside, the Khiladi doesn't have any qualms about sporting fake ones if the role demands it.

That explains 'Blue' punched against his lower neck in the disastrous adventure flick of the same name.

Aamir Khan, Ghajini

Last updated on: June 20, 2011 12:38 IST
Aamir Khan
Besides acquiring a stunning six pack, Aamir Khan created frantic scribble tattoos like sticky notes to justify his amnesia driven character in Ghajini, a highly successful remake of a Tamil hit, which in turn is said to be inspired from Christopher Nolan's Memento.

Bipasha Basu, Aa Dekhen Zara

Last updated on: June 20, 2011 12:38 IST
Bipasha Basu
In real life, Bipasha is against the idea of getting inked but when it comes to flaunting peel-off tattoos to project bohemian glamour in movies, she's all for it. That hip star-like design just above her bust is a case in point.

Kareena Kapoor, Asoka

Last updated on: June 20, 2011 12:38 IST
Kareena Kapoor
Asoka may not have set the box office jingling but it fetched Kareena Kapoor tremendous accolades for her appearance.

As the wild Princess Kaurwaki, Bebo gamely allows her flawless complexion to play canvas for intricate and imaginative body art.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Shakti The Power

Last updated on: June 20, 2011 12:38 IST
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
Even if it's only a item song 'n' dance appearance, Ash keeps it interesting with a dash of traditional tattoo patterns seductively positioned on her exposed waist and midriff.

Arjun Rampal, Ek Ajnabee

Last updated on: June 20, 2011 12:38 IST
Arjun Rampal
Playing a bad guy is associated with showy paraphernalia. And so the hunky model-turned-actor displayed some flamboyant imprints in Ek Ajnabee. Off screen, the mild-mannered star's arms are tattooed with the name of his two daughters -- Mahika and Myra.

Sushmita Sen, Zindagi Rocks

Last updated on: June 20, 2011 12:38 IST
Sushmita Sen
There's a Latin phrase (Soli deo Gloria) on her right arm, her brand name, 'I am' on her left wrist and yet another of Temptation with a sword passing through on her left arm.

It's a temporary imprint of Goddess Durga in Tanuja Chandra's Zindagi Rocks -- where she plays a pop sensation -- that first caught public eye.