Funky Town

“I was through with my first client when another barred my way with his bare arm,” laughs Tanveer,who joined on Friday Replay fashion store at Saltanat Plaza (next to Sahu),Hazratganj.

“Now that the opportunity is available in Lucknow,I am going to get stars etched on my neck,” says Wasi Haider,B Com IInd-year student of Lucknow Christian College,getting his earlobe pierced in another section of the store.

“I am piercing eight to ten earlobes,noses,eyebrows or navels a day,” says Shadab,who supplies a choice of the trendiest studs to fit into the groove,adding,”The hi-tech gun I am equipped with makes it painless and people ask for even multiple shots.”

Besides being painless,the ‘operation’ is hygienic and absolutely free of health hazards,assure the experts. “We get people to fill a form declaring they are not haemophiliac,weak-hearted or prone to skin problems,” says Shorab Khan,whose tattoo service is an extension of the fashion store he runs vending garments and accessories,including pendants,caps,goggles,wallets,footwear,etc.

“I have chosen the dragon for my arm,” says Deepak Thawani,Aminabad shopkeeper,readying for the session and adding,he had for long nursed the desire to wear a tattoo. “I can also give a temporary tattoo if you don’t want one that lasts a lifetime. But if you decide on a permanent one,be prepared to live with it as it cannot be erased,” says Bhopal native Tanveer,who extended his body art professional profile to one of tattoo artist after training in Mumbai.