New Delhi, Sep 9 (IANS) Veteran actor and censor board chief Sharmila Tagore says she is opposed to a blanket ban on the screening of adult movies on television, and instead favours a specified time slot when such films can be telecast.

"Nowhere in the world does this (a ban) happen. There's a time for adult films...a specified time is necessary for adult viewing...that would be a practical and reasonable solution. After all, there are many adult films that are relevant and adults would like to see them in the comfort of their own homes...I feel that's a reasonable compromise. I'm in favour of it," said the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) head.

Such films "could safely be shown" between 11.00 p.m. and 4.00 a.m. "because during those hours, parents should assume the responsibility of ensuring their children are not watching television" she told CNN-IBN Devil's Advocate show, to be broadcast Sunday.

Tagore said she is seeking an 'X' category rating to permit adult films in their entirety without censoring or deleting.

She also termed as "a very bad precedent", the statements of Information and Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi on the controversial film "The Da Vinci Code", saying she had raised the matter with the minister, who had assured her "it will not be repeated". Dasmunsi had directed the CBFC not to clear the Ron Howard-directed film till the ministry had seen it in view of objections raised by a section of the Christian clergy.

According to Tagore, under her the CBFC has no problems with clearing scenes of kissing on screen but opposed proposals by her predecessor to clear pornographic films.

She also called upon the people - particularly organisations who protest on behalf of their communities - to be more tolerant and understanding and to learn to laugh at themselves rather than take offence quickly.