Here's how Bollywood will make its presence felt at Cannes Film Festival

Bollywood actresses at Cannes

Bolllywood beauties are set to make their presence felt at the prestigious Cannes International Film Festival 2015 in France that gets underway on May 13. After missing out on an appearance last year due to her film commitments, Katrina Kaif will finally make her Cannes debut this time. She will sashay down the red carpet as the ambassador of a cosmetic brand on the first two days. So will co-ambassadors Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Sonam Kapoor.

Katrina Kaif will walk the red carpet on the first two days of the festival that ends on May 24. Pic/PTI

Kat has reportedly stated, "It is very inspiring to attend an event that celebrates all forms of cinema." The actress, who had been keeping away from social media until now, has joined Twitter (@KatrinaAt Cannes) to provide updates about her festival sojourn and posted snapshots of her baggage on arrival at the French city. Katrina Kaif spotted at London airport en route Cannes.

Sonam Kapoor is slated to walk the red carpet alongside Hollywood names like Eva Longoria and Jane Fonda on two days - May 16 and 18

Also read: Katrina, Sonam to make Cannes red carpet appearance twice

High five
For Sonam, it will be her fifth year at the festival. The actress, who is hailed as the darling of the fashion world, will step out on the red carpet on May 16 and 18. In 2013, she made a fashion statement with dramatic winged eyes and a huge nose ring. This year, she will walk the red carpet alongside Hollywood names like Eva Longoria and Jane Fonda. Sonam is also a regular at Roberto Cavalli's yacht parties and Chopard after parties on the French Riveria. Last year, an international daily had remarked that Sonam was "the belle of the Cannes Film Festival heating up the red carpet in showstopping looks that would make Cate Blanchett green with envy".

Cannes 2015 is Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's 14th year at the festival

Red carpet pro
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is quite the Cannes veteran as it will be her 14th year at the festival. She's considered a pro at sashaying down the red carpet. Along with hubby Abhishek Bachchan, Ash will also attend the amFAR - the foundation of AIDS research - charity gala on May 21, her fourth consecutive year at the event.

Photos: 2014 Cannes Film Festival - Funny moments

French connection
Richa Chadda will also be seen on the Cannes circuit as she stars in Neeraj Ghaywan's debut film 'Masaan', produced by Anurag Kashyap's Phantom Productions, which will be screened in the UnCertain Regard section on May 19. Says Richa, "I haven't decided on what I will wear. There are a lot of options, ranging from traditional to international. This time we will be there for three to four days. 'Masaan' will release in France too and there is a French studio involved. So, it will be major work and not just party."

Richa Chadda stars in Masaan which will be screened at Cannes

This will be Richa's second appearance at the event. In 2012, she had attended the festival for the screening of 'Gangs of Wasseypur'. This time, she will go with Ghaywan and other members of the star cast, including Sanjay Mishra and Shweta Tripathy on May 16.

Seeking attention
Mallika Sherawat has been a regular fixture at the festival for the last few years. The sex siren tweeted yesterday, "Cannes, here I come. Honored to be invited by #Ficci at the 68th Cannes film festival." The actress has been invited to participate in the discussion panel of 'Co-Produce in India' by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) on behalf of the Information & Broadcasting Ministry to be held on May 14.

Mallika Sherawat is part of a discussion panel of 'Co-Produce in India'

Mallika had walked the red carpet with a python around her neck for her film 'Hisss' in 2010 and bragged about her dirty dancing with Hollywood star Antonio Banderas at an after party in 2012.

Desi reel
>> Nawazuddin Siddiqui's production 'Miyan Kal Aana', a short film directed by his brother Shamas Siddiqui, will be screened at Cannes as part of the Short Film Catalog on May 21. It has been shot in their native place in Uttar Pradesh.

Shamas Siddiqui

>> National Award-winning director Gurvinder Singh's film 'Chauthi Koot' will be screened at Un Certain Regard as an official selection in Cannes. The film, based on stories by Punjabi writer Waryam Singh Sandhu, is about the crimes of the 1980s.