Indian classical music is principally based on rhythm and melody. Pregnant with its rich past Indian classical music in the hand of the Indian classical vocalists, instrumentalists and indeed in the able hand of the classical Indian composers has gained that desired contour which amidst its sublimity and mysticism has etched the very verve of Indian philosophy, innocently yet elegantly.

The very heart of Indian classical music is certainly the raaga. Raaga in Indian classical music is indeed that melodic form, that harmonious rhythm, upon which the classical vocalists and Indian classical composers improvise. This scaffold is recognised by tradition and is enthused by the artistic spirits of master musicians and classical music composers. With a rich heritage, Indian classical music has travelled a lot from the ancient Gurukul system to the courts of the Rajas and in the later days even to the stages. Laced with its melody and cadence, gradually, Indian classical music has broke the barrier of stages and pits and has slowly been recognised as one of the mystic musical forms to portray the rhythm of life on a larger scale.

Indian classical music composers like Pt., Ravi Shankar, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, Ustad Vilayat Khan, Ustad Allauddin Khan has silhouetted the contour of Indian parallel cinema whilst adding that little extra through the subtle rhythm of Indian classical instruments. In fact in the modern era, Indian classical music has carved out a significant niche in the parallel movies. Classical music entwined with its obscurity, mysticism, romance and rhythm, time and time again has been used to incite those thought which no word can articulate. Whether to coif the mood or just to set the tone, the subtle usage of the classical instruments like Surbahar, shehnai, bansuri has gained importance in other entertainment sectors like Indian theatre and parallel cinema.

The classical music composers has popularised the very concept of Indian classical music to a great extent. The saga of this changing tune, started long back, has further supported the Indian entertainment scenario to stand out with pride.