Hardik Pandya recently made headlines for a deeply personal tattoo dedicated to his girlfriend Mahieka Sharma, and the story behind the artwork has now sparked curiosity among fans, especially after his tattoo artist revealed the creative process, time involved, and the premium cost associated with such elaborate designs.
The Indian cricketer’s new tattoo features two leopards along with the letter “M,” symbolising his relationship with Mahieka. The design quickly went viral after images surfaced online, drawing attention not only for its visual appeal but also for the emotional story behind it. According to the tattoo artist, the concept began with a simple idea but evolved into something more meaningful as the team explored themes reflecting the couple’s personalities and shared interests.
The tattoo was crafted by Sunny Bhanushali, founder of Aliens Tattoo, who is known for working with several celebrities and for creating large-scale, story-driven body art. Speaking about the process, he revealed that Hardik’s original request was straightforward. The cricketer wanted to gift Mahieka a tattoo that represented their bond, initially considering only the letter “M.” However, as discussions progressed, the creative team decided to expand the concept to better capture their relationship and shared fascination with leopards.
The artist explained that the team observed the couple’s dynamic, conversations, and preferences before finalising the design. They noticed their interest in feline imagery and discovered that both were particularly drawn to leopards, which ultimately inspired the central motif. The tattoo depicts both a male and a female leopard, symbolising contrasting yet complementary energies, while the “M” remains the focal element on Pandya’s neck.
Beyond the symbolism, fans were particularly interested in the technical and financial aspects of the tattoo. Sunny Bhanushali revealed that the tattoo session began late at night, around 2 am, and took approximately three hours to complete, wrapping up in the early morning hours.
While this particular tattoo was completed relatively quickly, the artist explained that pricing varies widely depending on complexity, size, and expertise required. Smaller designs typically begin at a base rate per square inch, but larger and more intricate works can involve multiple sessions lasting several hours each. According to him, premium sessions at his studio can go as high as ₹5 lakh per session, especially for elaborate, full-scale projects requiring advanced skill and detailed storytelling.
The artist also shared insight into his own journey, describing how he began tattooing as a side hobby before turning it into a full-fledged career. Over time, his studio expanded across multiple cities and attracted a roster of celebrity clients, including athletes and film personalities. He emphasised that his team views tattoos as narrative art rather than just body decoration, aiming to translate personal stories into visual designs.
Hardik Pandya’s tattoo is being viewed not merely as a fashion statement but as an example of how modern celebrity tattoos often merge storytelling with symbolism. Increasingly, high-profile figures are opting for designs that carry emotional or personal meaning rather than purely aesthetic motifs, reflecting broader trends within contemporary tattoo culture.
The leopard tattoo, in particular, stands out for blending personal symbolism with artistic detail. By incorporating themes connected to both Pandya and Mahieka, the design has resonated with fans who appreciate the romantic gesture as well as the craftsmanship involved.
