Aishwarya Rai Bachchan attends discussion on gender equality at Cannes 2015

CANNES: Bollywood diva Aishwarya Rai Bachchan today joined the United Nations Women's panel on gender equality in the film industry during her this year's first appearance at the ongoing Cannes International Film Festival.

The esteemed panel included Under Secretary-General UN Women Elizabeth Nyamayaro, Hollywood actresses Salma Hayek and Parker Posey, producers Elizabeth Karlsen and Christine Vachon.

The former Miss World bonded with Hayek while discussing the gender equality in the film industry.

Keeping with the tone of the event, the 41-year-old "Guzaarish" star was dressed in a sober floral Sabyasachi gown. She accessorised it with a clutch.

Aishwarya, who is attending the festival for the 14th time in a row, will walk the red carpet as L'oreal Paris brand ambassador later in the day and also on May 20.

She will attend the amfAR charity Gala on May 21 with her actor husband Abhishek Bachchan.