Cindy Mahlangu is stepping into uncharted territory, her first leading role in a major Netflix series, Bad Influencer. Known for her versatility and depth on screen, Cindy transforms into Pinky, a social media influencer chasing fame and luxury, while hiding the scars of her past. In this exclusive GLAMOUR interview, she shares what it took to bring such a complex character to life, how she navigated the challenges of playing someone so different from herself, and what this role means for her as an actress at the top of her game.
GLAMOUR: Bad Influencer marks your first leading role in a series. How did it feel stepping into that space?
Cindy Mahlangu: Yes, it’s my first leading role, and honestly, I was nervous at first. But that quickly changed once we started shooting. My co-star, Jo-Anne Reyneke, really supported me throughout the process. She’s like a big sister to me. We helped each other bring our characters to life, and that made everything easier.
GLAMOUR: Tell us about your character, Pinky. Who is she beneath the filters and followers?
Cindy Mahlangu: Pinky is a girl shaped by the pain of her childhood. Beneath the glam and the social media façade, she’s loving but deeply hurt. She constantly seeks validation and hides behind a mask to protect herself. That’s who she truly is, beyond the influencer lifestyle.
GLAMOUR: You’ve said she’s quite different from you. How was it stepping into her world?
Cindy Mahlangu: She’s completely different from who I am! That’s what made it exciting and challenging. I did a lot of research to understand her, but the script did so much of the heavy lifting. Kudi, our writer, did an incredible job, it was all there on the page.
GLAMOUR: What drew you to this story and to Pinky in particular?
Cindy Mahlangu: I love a challenge. I’ve played similar characters before, like Zama on Blood & Water, but Pinky is more complex and mature. She’s a woman with layers, contradictions, and pain. For me, playing someone so different from myself is where I grow the most as an actor.
GLAMOUR: The show takes a sharp look at influencer culture. What do you think Bad Influencer is really about?
Cindy Mahlangu: I don’t think the series is making a direct statement about influencer culture. It’s more about two women, BK, a struggling single mother, and Binky, a wannabe luxe influencer, who team up to sell counterfeit luxury handbags online. It’s a story about survival, choices, and how far people will go to be seen as successful.
GLAMOUR: That idea of counterfeit fashion feels symbolic. What do you think it says about image and success?
Cindy Mahlangu: It shows how much pressure there is to look like you have it all together. People want to appear successful, even when it’s not real. The show really exposes that tension, the difference between appearance and truth.
GLAMOUR: You have a large following yourself. How do you personally navigate social media?
Cindy Mahlangu: I’m actually very private. I only share what I’m comfortable with, and I always protect my peace. I think that’s important, to know your boundaries and stay grounded in who you are.
GLAMOUR: Do you think influencers are misunderstood?
Cindy Mahlangu: Definitely. A lot of people think it’s just about taking pretty pictures, but it’s so much more work than that. There’s planning, creativity, and strategy behind every post. Influencers put in real effort to create content that connects, and that’s not easy.
GLAMOUR: How would you define a “bad influencer”?
Cindy Mahlangu: In the context of the series, I’d say a bad influencer is someone who makes bad choices, someone who loses themselves trying to be something they’re not.
GLAMOUR: Netflix continues to bring world-class productions to South Africa. What does that mean for you as an actress?
Cindy Mahlangu: It’s honestly a dream come true. Netflix gives us a global platform, 190 countries! It means our stories can reach the world without us having to leave home. It validates our talent and shows that South African creatives belong on the global stage.
GLAMOUR: What was the most challenging part of bringing Pinky to life?
Cindy Mahlangu: Everything about her was challenging! She’s loud, bold, and outgoing, the total opposite of me. I’m soft-spoken and introverted. But that’s what made it fun. With the guidance of our directors and such a great script, I was able to tap into her confidence and energy.
GLAMOUR: What do you hope people take away from watching Bad Influencer?
Cindy Mahlangu: That people aren’t always what they seem online. Everyone has struggles we don’t see. I hope it reminds people to value authenticity over image.
GLAMOUR: You’ve been in the industry for some time. What advice would you give to young actors just starting out?
Cindy Mahlangu: Always be willing to learn. You’ll never know everything, so stay humble and curious. Be respectful to the people you work with, especially those who’ve been doing this longer. And be kind. When the energy on set is good, creativity flows, and that’s when the magic happens.
Recent stories by:
Sindeka Mandoyi
Cape Town swings into its biggest Jazz weekend yet
What to expect at the GLAMOUR Wellness Event Joburg 2025
Sheli Masondo is weaving stories through fashion and film
Exclusive: Jo-Anne Reyneke on playing a fierce mother in Netflix’s Bad Influencer
