Former Miss World Aishwarya Rai graced last year's Cannes

They say they will be making a big push at the 11-day event, despite India's lower profile at this year's gathering.

Last year leading actress Aishwarya Rai was a jury member, while high-profile Indian film stars graced a beach party.

Although no Indian films are on this year's official roster, several movies made in Bollywood will debut at Cannes.

They include The Perfect Husband - the English-Hindi crossover story of a woman in search of a perfect man - and children's movie Heda-Hoda, about a boy's adventures with a blind camel.

Cannes is a big marketplace for Bollywood

Rai, a former Miss World, will appear at Cannes - but only for a day.

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) said it expected to name other leading stars who would join the world spotlight at Cannes.

"We will be projecting the prowess of India's entertainment industry," said CII director general designate N Srinivas.

"The Indian government is waking up to the importance of Cannes for promoting its entertainment industry."