Finally, 'The Dirty Picture' premieres on TV

Ekta Kapoor's "The Dirty Picture", which was declared inappropriate by the information and broadcasting ministry for primetime TV viewing, is finally set for its small screen premiere on Sony Aug 26.

It will be showcased twice in the day - once at 12 p.m. and then at 8:30 p.m., Sneha Rajani, senior executive vice president and business head, Sony, said on Twitter.

The film will be screened "not post 11 p.m., as reported," she clarified.

The bold, Vidya Balan-starrer, which narrates the story of a southern sex siren named Silk, was stalled at the last minute from being showcased on TV in April. This, despite 59 cuts in the film to make it suitable for television viewing.

In April, the ministry had written to the channel to withdraw the film from being shown in prime time slot.

However, now officials at Ekta's Balaji Motion Pictures, are glad the movie will finally see the light of the day on Indian telly.

"We are very elated and happy that finally after receiving accolades and moolah all across the globe, our National award-winning film will make it to TV screens as well for home-viewing audiences to be entertained all across," Girish Johar, head of acquisition and distribution, Balaji Motion Pictures, told IANS.

"The Dirty Picture" won Vidya her first National award for best actress for her strong and unabashed portrayal of the rise and fall of a screen scorcher. It also features Naseeruddin Shah, Emraan Hashmi and Tusshar Kapoor.