URBAN and Indian fusion seems to be the 'in' thing in the world of music right now, with a couple from Harrow helping to extend the creative heights that it offers.

Anu Shukla, originally from Nairobi, Kenya, but a Harrow resident since 1993, and partner Kiran Thakrar, who was born in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, and settled in Harrow in 1989, have been involved in music all their lives and have worked with some of the biggest names in the industry.

They recently collaborated with Shayal, a rising British producer who has been making his mark both at home and abroad, and American R'n'B superstar Ginuwine for the new single Baby (Dil Deewana) that is set to take the urban scene by storm.

I had the opportunity to visit their recording studio Globalrootz, in Alexandra Avenue, Rayners Lane, and speak to them about the track, their experience working with household names, and all their other work.

Ginuwine, known for his changing directions in style, such as his transitions in sound between albums, seemed to jump at the chance to give himself another dimension and produce a tune that would appeal to the current trend of urban/Asian fusion.

When touring in the UK a few months ago, he was introduced to the music of Anu and Kiran through one of his tour DJs, Shayal - a good friend of the Harrow-based couple - who demonstrated the new beat he was working on; one that involved Anu's beautiful voice and Kiran's catchy melody.

The R'n'B star was duly impressed and expressed his interest in a collaboration; it all went on from there.

Anu and Kiran were excited to be involved in a song that would appeal to the contemporary market, saying that they enjoy working with young artists like Shayal because it is "a good combination of each other's strengths", namely their vast experience married to Shayal's knowledge of what younger listeners want.

No doubt the likes of Shayal appreciate the wisdom of Anu and Kiran too; and who could blame him?

Kiran, for instance, has worked with all sorts of artists from genres as diverse as Indian pop, jazz, urban and even a symphony orchestra.

He has played over 4,000 concerts in a long career during which he has travelled all over the world and has

made music for award-winning albums Beyond Boundaries and Love 2 Love 2001.

Anu was motivated by Bollywood singing legends Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle to make use of her own vocal gifts and has also worked with some massive names, as well as performing for esteemed audiences such as the Royal family and Universal Pictures, and her debut album will be released shortly.

Her main inspiration, however, is her partner Kiran, for whom she has immense respect, both professionally and as a person.

It is clearly a match made in heaven, especially for local acts, who Anu and Kiran say are "always welcome" to come down to their studio to record and mix their own music.

Additionally, Kiran offers his services as a producer, which, considering his repertoire, should certainly be popular.

The ever-busy duo continue to work amid the buzz around the new track, with gigs lined up in Poland, Oman (where they will play for the country's royal family) and, next week, a collaboration with Bill Bailey at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2008.

All these performances will be with their band Strings, a ten-member group that the couple say must take credit for everything they have achieved.

It is characteristic of a pair who show talent is definitely prevalent in Harrow and if my own non-existent music career ever takes off, I know exactly who to go to for advice!

* The single Baby (Dil Deewana) featuring Ginuwine and Anu Shukla was released on Monday, August 4.