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

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