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On a different plane Once a national swimming champ, Rubina Khan is now a television actress. Clockwise from top, her days on the podium and stills from the serial

Called Neeli Aankhen, the weekend soap starts this Saturday. Directed by Shyam Ramsay, as usual, a newcomer Rubina Khan plays the central role.

Comparisons are imperative and Rubina says as always a personal revenge element is there. “However, unlike Naginn , it is not a story of a family of snakes. My character Vaishali leads a normal life. It is only when something bad happens that she turns into a snake,” says Rubina, promising audience won’t see her in snake prints all the while.

“It’s an entertainer and the fact that a Ramsay is directing it should not keep the kids away from the series.”

Once a national level swimmer, Rubina is another example of a promising career cut short under societal pressures for taking up a sport which doesn’t enjoy mass following in the country.

“The national record in 50 metres butterfly still stands in my name. But after school it became almost impossible to continue study and sports together. Swimming requires three to four hours of rigorous training every day. I had to miss out my classes in morning. The school didn’t show any interest in supporting my sports career. They would mark me absent or late.”

Rubina, whose father is a close friend of Sania Mirza’s father, says dress code was another issue. “Members in the community don’t mind Shah Rukh playing a Hindu, but when it comes to representing the country in a sport which requires a particular dress code, they object. They create social pressure on the family,” laments Rubina.

“To me religion comes first but I also wanted to do something for my country. I think parents and community should understand this.”

She continues, “I started at the age of four, and used to feel elated when my pictures appeared in newspapers. It was difficult for me to give up the sport but at that age you don’t mind because you feel there is so much to do in life.”

Her career took a turn when she was spotted by choreographer and model coordinator Achla Sachdev in a college fashion show. “She advised me to get a portfolio done and I shifted my focus to entertainment industry.”

Soon she got an offer from a South Indian film and the rest, as she says, is His wish.

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