An entire compilation of world renowned Santoor maestro Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma's work of three decades for recorded music will be released by Sa Re Ga Ma - the music record label.

Shiv Kumar says, "The music company approached me and told me that they want to release my work from 1960 to 1998. They have got maximum of my work with them. And hence I thought that it would be an interesting idea to materialise this project." He adds, "I have got listeners from three to four generations and they will all get an idea about my work so far."

And Shiv Kumar insists that he has not argued with the music company to delete any of the compositions that they have had. "I want people to know what I was playing in the beginning and through the years. There was no question of not including any particular piece of work in the album even it was not up to the mark according to me. 'Complete work means complete work," says Panditji with a smile.

Panditji usually never plans his concerts and if planned, many a times changes things at the last minute. He recalls, "Two years ago, for a concert in Pune I tuned my instrument to play Raaga Jinjoti and before the curtains were pulled up, I changed it to Raaga Charudeshi. I enjoy it like that." He continues, "Sometimes I have played some raagas that I haven't practised for many years. In December I played a raaga called Puriya after 10 years. And since last ten years, I have stopped practising at home. I take big risks but I don't think it is right for everyone and I wouldn't advise my students to do that. But I am adventurous."

There is also another rule that Shiv Kumar stands by, and that is not to change his music according to the venue where he is playing. "Some musicians do that. They sense the pulse of the audience and accordingly plan their concerts. But I think that I have to enjoy my music first, if that happens, audiences will definitely connect with me and my music."