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.