Zac Efron is not willing to take on risky roles

The `High School Musical` star cites `Shutter Island` actor Leonardo DiCaprio as his idol but admitted he would be unwilling to take on risky parts - such as a teen heroin addict in `The Basketball Diaries` and a gay French poet in `Total Eclipse` - like Leonardo did.

He said: "It`s a different time now. It`s harder to get those films made. Also is has to be roles that I can identify with and relate to. I wouldn`t do it just to do it."

Zac also revealed he is finding it tough to bridge the gap between teen heartthrob and respected actor, and said he would love for a top director to guide his career.

The 22-year-old actor explained he would love to work with "a great director that`s passionate about a project and has some kind of role for me. That`s the best way to get involved because they already have a clear vision of what they want."

He also spoke about his uncertainty at forging a successful career as an adult actor.

He told The Times newspaper: "I`m committed to saying that I would like to do this forever but I`m also aware that that may not always be the case. I`m going to work hard to make sure it stays that way but who ultimately knows. I don`t know what`s going to happen."

sections: Celebrities