The idea of Jugalbandi perhaps was born out of the curiousity of both the artiste and listeners to see how a certain star or style fares in relation to another. Jugal-gaan or two vocalists performing together is an old, albeit isolated tradition in Indian Classical Music. The pair of singers however were always either brothers or students of the same teacher and thus developed a concert style where each would take turns at improvisation and one would complement or echo the other in turns. The concept of a musical 'duel' was also strongly entrenched in the tradition in a different context. This was purely competitive medium, often quite negative in spirit and intent.

The modern day jugalbandi is a 'duel with a difference' in that it is a highly positive and creative exercise, born of the great degree of mutual respect between the players. The object is primarily to create synergy of ideation and sound in a celebration of the solidity of structure in Indian classical music which enables two perfect strangers to come together before an audience and make music together on the spot. For the listener however, it cannot be denied that the spirit of competition between titans is of great attraction. Perhaps, it is this which makes jugalbandi the most popular concert format in comtemporary times.