The theme was written by Henry Mancini for the 1963 film The Pink Panther, starring Peter Sellers as Inspector Clouseau, and the cool saxophone melody played over the opening credits beside the animated pink panther. That character later starred in his own cartoons, and the music became shorthand for sneaking and suave mischief far beyond the films. Shared in memes, edits and short videos, the tune still signals a stealthy plan or comic entrance instantly, because generations recognise it within a few notes.