What's in a tattoo?

Graphically speaking, it's just body language. Equal parts blood, guts and love, engraved in indelible ink. It could even be an act of defiance, considering that in the Bible, Leviticus 19:28 forbids the faithful from making cuttings or printing marks upon themselves.

That said, tattoos are deemed macho and hip for the brief suffering one must endure to earn them. The philosophy is simple: No pain, no tattoo.

With a little effort and a little pain, even the most stubborn tattoos can be removed. Sleepy Hollow star Johnny Depp once had 'Winona Forever' inscribed on his bicep. When he split with then girlfriend actress Winona Ryder, he changed it to 'Wino Forever.'

The best tattoos guarantee great photo ops. No wonder celebs collect them like stamps.

rediff.com picks the most outstanding celebrity tattoos in Hollywood, and peers skin deep for the tales that lie beneath.

Text: Bijoy Venugopal
Photographs: Getty Images
Design: Uday Kuckian