Sarod maestro Amjad Ali feels that the classical music is facing a lot of "cultural aggression" in India and it is a miracle that the young generation is still interested in preserving the tradition. "I have been seeing the cultural aggression gradually in our country. It is two hundred television channels versus traditional art whether classical music or theatre or dance," Khan said.

"I'm seeing today that the generation of Amaan and Ayaan...if they are playing classical music it is God's wish because there is so much temptations around...it is a miracle," he added. Khan points out that while the niche audience of classical music is still alive in the country, the decline in the number of concerts, especially in North India, is cause for worry.

"In West Bengal, there used to be 30-40 festivals, now there is only one," he said. The 64-year-old musician will perform at Columbia University's Miller Theater on April 2 with his two sons Amaan and Ayaan. It is a pleasant homecoming for Khan, who last played at the theatre in 1997. He is here on a special request by university students.

"I am looking forward to the concert because I feel it is very important to share our traditional art, classical music especially, with the students," Khan said.

The young maestros, however, have a slightly different perspective on the matter. Amaan, 32, believes that the dip in the classical music enthusiasts is not the result of westernisation but rather a decline in the quality of musicians in the nation.