He joined Film and Television Institute of India as he wanted to become an actor . He entered Bollywood in the '70s.His first film was B.R. Ishara, Chetna (1970). Actress/director Asha Parekh directed him in the television serial, "Kora Kogaz" in the 1990s.He was junior to actor Navin Nischol in FTII.In 2011 Anil Dhawan secured pivotal role in Mein Laxmi Tere Aangan Ki in life ok starring opposite Aruna Irani.