Classical Indian instruments like the sitar, tanpura, sarangi, or the pahkhawaj seem to be waning in popularity with the younger generation of musicians who are now opting for electronic instruments, say experts.

Established in 1947, 'Lahore Music House' in Daryaganj, Old Delhi, has seen a gradual decline in the sale of sitar and tanpura, while the demand for instruments like harmonium and tabla has been substantial, if not high.

"Now the sale of sitars and tanpuras is just around 10 to 15 per cent. Harmoniums and tablas are still popularly used in marriages, college or school functions and so their sales is almost above 50 per cent," says Ranbit Singh who has been working at the Lahore Music store for the last 40 years.

Singh says he thinks the new generation doesn't have time for music and would rather concentrate on fields that would give them quick monetary benefits.

"Nowadays life is very fast and is technology driven. Who among the youth has time for music? Children now think of earning more and more money in lesser time. They would rather concentrate on fields like business management," he says.

Pawan Bhargava, who owns music instrument store, in the capital says "The youth rarely have any proclivity towards sitar now, unless it is compulsory in schools. They would mostly prefer guitar and drums. We just have a mere 5 per cent of Indian customers asking for classical instruments and so the prices of the instruments like harmonium, sitar have gone up by 50 per cent in almost the last five years."

However, sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan thinks that every instrument comes with its own set of fans and the popularity of classical music and instruments cannot dip.

"People have varied choices and there are fans for every instrument. Indian classical music was never for the masses, it is for those who have respect and love for our culture and the traditional music. Our music is like elephant walk, full of dignity. We aren't looking for short cuts. Classical music isn't ephemeral, we have a long journey to cover," says Ustad Amjad Ali Khan.

On the other hand, Pratyush, who is in charge of sales of another music store here thinks preferences change with time and not even a decade has passed since Indian classical instruments were in high demand but now the demand seems to fade.

"The 'now generation' doesn't think of Indian classical instruments as 'cool' anymore. Ironically the younger generation in America, Germany and some other parts of Europe are big fans of these instruments and think that these are 'in'," says Pratyush.

Considering classical instruments to be as cool now as ever, music composer Shekhar from the duo Vishal-Shekhar says, "We have the best music and the best musical instruments in the world. The classical instruments have energy and are edgy and cool. The only thing that has happened is that the usage of the harmonium and table is restricted to a few songs in Bollywood. Tabla is now used very intelligently."

Shekhar further says, "Classical instruments are hand made. I personally love the flute the most. The electric versions of these instruments might be successful to replicate the effect but can't get in the energy of the real classical instrument. Youth of the age group 24 and above are showing deep interest in these instruments."

Santoor player, Bhajan Sopori echoes Shekhar when he says, "The popularity of classical instruments hasn't decreased, instead it has increased. Most of the people who come to learn music from me are youngsters and the large chunk in my concerts is youth."

Meanwhile, a music store situated in a quiet corner of the Regal Cinema building shows a relatively healthier customer influx, though foreigners dominate the large part of it.

"On an average per month, we have 20 to 30 customers for Indian classical instruments but most of them are foreigners or school students," says manager Brian.