Tattoo artist Manjeet Singh, also known as Manjeet Tattooz, whose work is internationally acclaimed for its realism and spiritual depth, is embarking on a nationwide tattoo tour this month. The tour begins with a special collaboration in the city, marking the start of a journey that aims to bring high-quality tattoo artistry to diverse corners of the country.
Singh, who holds a Guinness World Record and features in The World Atlas of Tattoos (Yale University Press), has been a defining force in India’s modern tattoo scene for over 18 years. His tattoos, especially those depicting Sikh iconography and intricate portraits, have made him one of the most sought-after tattoo artists in India.
Born on 8 February 1976, Singh’s artistic journey began in his school years when he trained in drawing and painting. From 1993 to 1999, he worked as a banner artist for Bollywood cinemas, hand-painting large-scale film posters. This early exposure to visual art later extended to commercial murals, graffiti, and canvas artworks before he took up tattooing professionally in the mid-2000s.
Singh's transition to tattooing began in 2005 when he was inspired by the American television series Miami Ink, which showcased tattooing as an art form beyond the typical style. By 2007, he was tattooing professionally, self-taught and driven by relentless practice. In the early days of his career, Singh walked long distances to observe skilled tattoo artists, honing his technique. His preferred subjects are black-and-gray realism, portraits, 3D designs, Sikh iconography, and fantasy elements.
In 2012, Singh won the Best Portrait Tattoo Award at the 2nd International Tattoo Convention in India, a recognition of his mastery in creating lifelike tattoos. One of his recurring subjects is Guru Nanak Dev Ji, whose image Singh has depicted in several styles, making it a signature in his portfolio.
Singh's international recognition reached new heights when he became one of only three Indian tattoo artists featured in The World Atlas of Tattoos by Yale University Press, a work by historian Anna Felicity Friedman. His inclusion in this global anthology highlights his unique blend of super-realistic technique and cultural resonance. His detailed portrait of Salvador Dalí, which emphasizes expressive realism, stands out as one of his iconic works.
In addition to his academic recognition, Singh is a Guinness World Record holder. While the specific record remains private, his achievement places him in an exclusive circle of world-renowned artists.
Singh's celebrity clientele spans Bollywood, Punjabi entertainment, and sports. He has worked with Himanshi Khurana, Byg Byrd, Korala Maan, Mika Singh, Amit Tandon, Harbhajan Singh, and Manpreet Singh, the captain of India’s men’s hockey team, to name a few.