(Cover) - EN Star Style - Vanessa Hudgens says she "really look[ed] like a boy" on the set of her new movie.

The 22-year-old beauty, best known for starring in Disney's High School Musical, stars in upcoming drama Gimme Shelter, where she transforms from her usual girl next door look to play a homeless pregnant teen.

Vanessa chopped off her signature long brunette tresses for the role, and is currently sporting an edgy short pixie cut.

The stunning star says her transformation was truly authentic, and made her feel like a "boy".

"The tattoo, the hair, the clothes, the piercings, the attitude, the everything," she explained to People. "The walk, the talk it was a completely new person. I really did look like a boy."

Vanessa, who also gained 10 lbs. for the role, says her new look had a big effect on her. The brunette beauty, who is regularly praised for her feminine style, says the gritty movie tested her emotionally.

"[It] automatically puts you into a different headspace," she says. "Not to mention the places we were filming. We were in the grimiest, dirtiest places, and I was fighting every day, being fought, being beat down and it was all extremely draining even though it was acting." (C) Cover Media