London, Oct 19 : Colombian pop star Shakira used to dress like a man so that she could go to university.

The 32-year-old singer took a break from music and enrolled in a history course after releasing the 2006 album "Oral Fixation Vol 2" because she wanted to step out of the public spotlight for a while.

During her time at the University of California, Los Angeles, she stayed in disguise and changed her name to prevent people finding out her true identity, reported femalefirst. co. uk.

"I needed a break from me. The universe is so broad, I cannot be at the centre of it. So I decided to go to the university and study history for a summer course, just to kind of switch gears, taste the student life," she said.

"I used to wear a cap and a big backpack, I looked like a boy. I didn't get recognised," she added.