The rupee fell by 20 paise to 49 rupees 38 paise per US dollar in early trade on the Interbank Foreign Exchange today. The fall is attributed to appreciation of the American currency against the euro and Asian rivals overseas.In addition, a lower opening in the domestic equity market weighed on the rupee sentiment.The rupee had strengthened by 8 paise to close at 49 rupees 19 paise against the US dollar in the previous session on late dollar-selling by exporters.