TEHZEEB
Directed by: Khalid Mohamed
Starring: Urmila Matondhkar (Tehzeeb), Arjun Rampal (Salim Mirza), Diya Mirza (Nazneen), Shabana Azmi (Rukhsana Jamal), Rishi Kapoor (Anwar Jamal)
Music by: A R Rahman
UK Release: 5 December 2003

URMILA SET TO DAZZLE AUDIENCES IN 'TEHZEEB'

After winning critical acclaim for her mind-blowing performances in Bhoot and Pinjar, Urmila Matondkar is ready to play the leading role in 'Tehzeeb'.

Tehzeeb is an emotional thriller directed by Khalid Mohamed (of Fiza fame) and tells the story of Rukshana Jamal- an ambitious famous playback singer, (played by veteran actress Shabana Azmi) who a part from giving playback to film songs, has also been privately recording albums. While struggling to adapt to the different trends and competition of the industry, she has pushed away her responsibilities as a parent to her two daughters Tehzeeb (Urmila) and Nazneen (Diya Mirza). The daughters are finally re-united after 5 years; however Tehzeeb holds a grudge against her mother over her father's death (played by Rishi Kapoor)- who was once suspected of murder. The climax of the film is how one daughter goes beyond all barriers, breaking the rules to uncover the truth.

The film also stars Namrata Shirodkar and heartthrob Arjun Rampal in supporting roles. Also making a cameo appearance is former beauty queen Diana Hayden, who will be debuting in the film.

AR Rahman retains his status as India's number one composer after receiving international recognition for the hit musical Bombay Dreams, and has provided the music score for the film. Hits such as 'Merebaan' are already creating waves on the music charts.

Urmila has come a long way following the 1994 hit 'Rangeela' and has proved that she is one of the finest and multitalented actresses that Bollywood has to offer today. Lets hope her success continues to ride high with this emotional drama.

ABOUT THE CHARACTERS

THEZEEB

Sensible, considerate, and as her name signifies, she is well mannered. Although she is no gifted singer herself, she is no limelight moth, opting for domesticity to a show business career. Tehzeeb retaliates only when she's pushed into a corner. Here's a daughter who breaks the rules and uncovers a secret…because she must.

SALIM MIRZA

A writer of pulp romantic novels in Urdu & English, he's an easy-going sort, residing in a hill town far away from the manic city crowd. Considerate, loving and perceptive, he aspires to author a "slice-of-life" novel about his wife. Used to observing people and their foibles, he's calm and candid, handling situations with spontaneity and humour.

NAZNEEN

A child woman, she is still mentally attuned to her little games and toys. Tended to by her sister and brother-in-law, she finds joy and solace in her own interior world, but most of all, she craves the love and affection of her mother who has placed her career above family values.

RUKHSANA JAMAL

Mercurial, vivacious and self-absorbed, she is the quintessential music diva. She tried to pick up the broken pieces of her past by focusing on her career, touring the world for concerts, recording songs and adapting to new trends with pop remixes. But behind the celebrity lurks another intriguing personality.

ANWAR JAMAL

A scion of a landed family, he was disowned by them when he married the flamboyant Rukhsana. A caring father, he is disturbed and humiliated when his identity is submerged by the escalating success of Rukhsana. Impulsive and self-proud, the failed businessman strives to deal with his isolation and disappointments.

The film is released in the UK on 5 December 2003.

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