Tehzeeb movie is based on the character Rukhsana Jamal who is an invincible singer who has been recording private albums besides filing playback to film songs, since years. Anwar (Rishi Kapoor) and Rukhsana (Shabana Azmi) had been married for years.After the birth of their two daughters Tehzeeb and Nazeen, Anwar gets into deep depression and commits suicide. Rukhsana is a famous, ambitious and popular singer. After her husband's mysterious death, her elder daughter Tehzeeb (Urmila Matondkar) suspected her to be the cause of his departure. Despite the court declared Rukhsana as innocent, Tehzeeb still bears a grudge against her, and accuses her of deserting her and Naazeen (Dia Mirza).Years later, Tehzeeb has grown up and has married Salim (Arjun Rampal), against her mother's wishes. Nazeen is a mentally challenged girl, and Tehzeeb takes her under her custody. Time goes by, Tehzeeb lives happily with her husband and Nazeen, until Rukhsana decides to visit them and renew ties with them after five years. Both mother and daughter are happy about the upcoming visit, but the tension between them turns up eventually.