India, Feb. 6 -- For years, Indian classical music has been seen as requiring time, patience and attentive listening... the qualities often assumed to be at odds with younger audiences. But leading maestros say that belief no longer holds, and live concerts are proving it wrong. Padma Shri awardee Ustad Shujaat Husain Khan, who is set to perform in Delhi along with Pandit Rakesh Chaurasia, says the idea that younger audiences lack the temperament for classical music is outdated. While many first encounter the genre through reels, playlists and short-form clips, he believes these formats act as gateways rather than substitutes. "I agree, a lot of listeners are discovering this music through reels and short form content," Khan says, adding, "But that is like a trailer. the tip of the iceberg." According to him, the curiosity often deepens. "If I'm playing in Delhi and there are 5,000 people listening, at least 2,000 will be below the age of 25. They come, they listen and they understand." Khan also credits technology for expanding access without altering the essence of the music. "Everyone takes the help of technology, but it has not reshaped everything," he says, stressing restraint. "What is most important is that you don't let technology take over your sound. What I'm projecting is still a pure acoustic sound from the instrument." Two-time Grammy Award-winning flautist Pandit Rakesh Chaurasia echoes this shift, describing younger listeners as more attentive than they are often assumed to be. "I feel the younger generation is far more curious than we imagine," he says and adds, "They may discover the music through short clips, but when it touches them, they seek depth and patience." What stands out to Chaurasia is the absence of rigid expectations: "They listen with an open mind, without preconceived boundaries." Like Khan, he sees technology as a facilitator rather than a threat: "Technology is a medium, not the message. As long as the intent remains intact, it becomes a support, not a compromise." This renewed curiosity among younger listeners forms the backdrop for Khan and Chaurasia's first-ever on-stage collaboration, Strings & Wind, which brings the sitar and flute together across performances in Mumbai, Hyderabad and Delhi till February 21. For Khan, the partnership feels instinctive rather than experimental: "It's the first time we are sharing the stage, but we are Indian classical musicians. Sharing is not a problem. It depends on the human, not the instrument."...