He was previously director-general of Doordarshan and Doordarshan News at Prasar Bharati.
The global film festival begins on 17 May in France.
The I&B minister was in conversation with actor Ranveer Singh at the India pavilion.
Thakur will meet ministers and industry leaders during his visit between 26-28 March.
There have been concerns over the closure of radio stations across different parts of the country.
