There’s a saying, “A mother’s love is the purest form of love.”
As the founder of Aliens Tattoo, I have had the privilege of witnessing countless stories of love, loss, and memories being brought to life in ink. But this particular journey with Arjun Kapoor is one that I will always hold close.
Arjun had visited Aliens Tattoo earlier to get a bold phoenix tattoo, a design that reflected his ability to rise above challenges and grow stronger while finding strength within himself. It was a way of representing just like how a phoenix rises from the ashes, Arjun rose above all of his difficulties.
This time, however, it was different. When Arjun came for his next tattoo, he shared a deeply personal moment. He spoke about his mother, her unconditional love, and the words she would say to him during his toughest moments: “Rabb Raakhaa.”
For Arjun, these words, meaning “God will protect you” were more than just a phrase. They were his mother’s promise of comfort and strength, her way of reminding him that he was never alone. He told us how, whenever he felt low, she would gently place her hand on the back of his shoulder and softly say, “Rabb Raakhaa.” He knew right then that he needed to carry her blessing with him forever, and that is exactly when he decided to get a tattoo.
He said he wanted those exact words inked near the spot where his mother would place her hand - the back of his shoulder. It was such a beautiful idea that I knew this tattoo needed more than just art, it required an emotional connection.
The tattoo design process was equally a part of the connection. Vishal Maurya along with Devendra Palav, took on the challenge to create a design that would hold the love that Arjun had for his mother.
While the design itself was minimal, with a custom calligraphy script, every detail carried deep emotions. The curves of each letter were carefully designed to reflect his mother’s love, while the bold strokes reflected the strength she gave him. The idea was not just to create a calligraphy script but to design a tattoo that resonated with all of the emotions of their bond, just like Arjun wanted.
We then finalised a beautiful custom calligraphy script that reflected both - love and strength.
The energy in the studio that day was unlike anything I had felt before. There was a sense of emotion, a quiet understanding of how much this tattoo meant to him.
As I watched Vishal Maurya begin the tattooing process, I could see Arjun’s emotions come to life in ways untold. Every stroke seemed to bring him closer to his mother, as though her presence was being etched into his very being.
When the tattoo was finally complete, there was a powerful moment. Arjun looked at the words inked onto his shoulder, and it was as if he could feel her touch once more. I could see the peace and strength in his eyes, a sign that this tattoo had become so much more than just a tattoo.
For me, this experience was a reminder of why we do what we do. Tattoos are not just about aesthetics, they are about stories, emotions, and connections. And for Arjun, “Rabb Raakhaa” is now a constant reminder of his mother’s love, her blessing, and her presence in his life.
As he left the studio that day, Arjun carried more than just a beautiful piece of tattoo. He carried an experience he would never forget, a moment where love, memory, and art came together. For my team and I at Aliens Tattoo, being part of this journey was indeed a true honour.