The 34-year-old became an international heartthrob at the age of 23 after landing the lead role in the 1997 film Titanic alongside Kate Winslet.

But DiCaprio admits he's been fighting to stay away from the limelight since turning into a major Hollywood star overnight - and he's keen to keep his name out of the press.

He says, "Actually I'm not in the tabloids anymore. I am sometimes, but I've watched the culture change. I'm old hat. And I love it. You know what it is with me? This is something I'd like to clarify. I've heard people say, 'Because you hide, it makes you seem ungrateful.'

"The mere fact that these - I'll use the word piles - are earning money from exploiting my image is the only reason I hide myself or am not a photo-friendly person. I do not like the way they conduct themselves. I think they're disrespectful and dangerous. The reason I don't pose or smile or that I seem mad is that I don't want them to make a living off my private life."