Zac Efron does not believe he's a 'heartthrob'

Actor Zac Efron arrives at the premiere of the animated feature film 'The Lorax' in Universal City, California. Photo / AP

Despite being a pin-up for girls across the globe, the former High School Musical star doesn't see what all the fuss is about.

He told CBS show Sunday Morning: "I can't explain to you what it's like to be a heartthrob, [because] I don't think I am a heartthrob. I hate [that word]. I hate it. It follows you around, but you don't deserve it. It's like, 'Why?'

"I'm just me. I'm just Zac. Just Zac."

Meanwhile, the 24-year-old actor admits he takes extra care to check his pockets when getting ready after accidentally dropping a packet of condoms on the red carpet at the premiere of The Lorax.

Zac - who is believed to be dating Mirror Mirror actress Lily Collins - told The Today Show: "I never really had a pocket checking policy prior to going onto the red carpet but now I have fully instated one."

Although he is at least proud to have inadvertently promoted safe sex.

He added: "It's a great message to add to the many messages of the film."

- BANG! Showbiz