The Indian rupee lost 3 paise to 44 rupees 79 paise per US dollar in early trade at the Interbank Foreign Exchange today. The rupee was weighed down by dollar gains against the euro and other currencies overseas.Forex dealers said strengthening of the dollar against the euro and Asian currencies and a lower opening in the stock market mainly put pressure on the rupee.The rupee rose by 5 paise to close at 44 rupees 76 paise against the US dollar in Monday's trade after equities closed a shade higher.