Rubina Dilaik, who has stepped into Giaa Manek's shoes couldn't be more excited about taking over as the new Jeannie. But the actress says that initially she was a bit apprehensive. "The first time the channel approached me, I was a little apprehensive as I didn't want to replace another actress. The next time the channel came to me with a different approach saying I won't be a replacement. They will be introducing another Jeannie. And so I was convinced."
Rubina tells us it has been her dream role ever since she was a child. She says, "I have not started shooting yet. We are just two steps away from finalising things. The biggest reason behind me doing the show is that, during my childhood days, I loved watching I Dream Of Jeannie, the original version of this show."
Rubina is essentially known for playing Indian characters in her previous shows. This is the first time she will be seen in Western outfits, in a more casual avatar. "I believe in versatile characters and I'm looking forward to having tremendous fun playing Jeannie. The character is closer to my age and it has got a lot of spunk."
Every time an actor replaces another, it's almost impossible to avoid some negativity coming their way. But Rubina seems least worried about that. She says, "I don't consider my character as a replacement. In daily soaps, it becomes difficult to do the role another actor has done, as fans get attached to the actor playing the role. In fantasy shows you can take that liberty and introduce new characters. So I don't think anyone should have a problem."
The actress had taken a break after Punar Vivah " Ek Nayi Umeed and Devon Ka Dev Mahadev. "I was back in my hometown Shimla where I spent time with family. I got back to a healthy routine. As an actor you hardly have any social life, so I made up for that. I also got time to ponder on how to groom myself better. I also learnt rumba and belly dancing during my holidays."