Zayn Malik slams 'fake' celebrities

Singer Zayn Malik can't stand being called a celebrity.

The 23-year-old shot to fame as a member of boy band One Direction, but after dropping out of the group last year (15), the pop star launched a solo career with his album Mind of Mine, which was released in March (16).

And although he has captured headlines for half a decade, the Pillowtalk hitmaker loathes being grouped in the celebrity category, as the Hollywood lifestyle is simply not for him.

"I hate the word celebrity," the singer, who has been dating supermodel Gigi Hadid for the past year, tells HighSnobiety Magazine. "I think it's a dangerous road to go down, thinking of yourself as a celebrity, because then you somehow automatically think that label makes you superior to other people. Some people just want to hang around you because they know your name... I can see through that bulls**t a mile off."

However, despite the fact he believes some entertainers are less than authentic, Zayn goes on to explain he understands the appeal of the 'fake it 'til you make it' mentality.

"I think to really 'make it' in a commercial sense, you have to be a bit of a faker," he notes. "If you're not going to be fake, then you need a really thick skin."

Zayn has canceled performances throughout the year due to anxiety attacks and the star admits his role in the public eye makes him feel "a lot of pressure" from time to time, adding, "I just make music!"