Vidushi Gaur/ New Delhi

Balendra Shah or Balen Shah swept the mayoral elections in Kathmandu in 2022, rewriting Nepal’s political playbook. He brought together seemingly disconnected worlds, youth culture, technical expertise, and clean politics. With his music number bursting the charts and massive following on and off the social media, he has emerged as a new generation leader and an icon of the Gen-Z, which is leading the protests for a big change in the Himalayan nation. Balen Shah is important because he the most popular leader at the moment. Aspects of Blen Shah's life that you must know:

A Prime Minister in the Making?

With Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigning and probably leaving the country, following youth-led violent protests, Balen Shah is seen as a favourite of Gen Z ’s as Nepal’s next Prime Minister. For many, he represents a clean break from the cycle of corruption and inertia that has plagued Nepal.

His name is synonymous with reform, anti-corruption, and a vision for a new Nepal. In a country where nearly half the population is under 25, Balen stands as a youth icon.

His unique blend of rap, engineering expertise, and fearless politics resonates with younger generations disillusioned by old-guard leaders. During the Gen-Z protests of 2025, many young activists rallied behind Balen as the face of a new, uncorrupted Nepal. His popularity among the youth now transcends the boundaries of Kathmandu.

From Rap Battles to Politics

Before entering politics, Balen was already a household name in Nepal’s hip-hop scene. He made his mark as a battle rapper, blending witty rhymes with biting social commentary. For a generation of Nepali youth, he was more than an entertainer; he was a voice that resonated with their frustrations about corruption, unemployment, and political stagnation. His ability to connect through music laid the foundation for his political rise.

Engineer with a Vision

Balen who was born in Kathmandu, studied civil engineering at the Nepal Engineering College and later pursued a Master’s degree in Structural Engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University in Karnataka, India.

First Independent Mayor of Kathmandu

In May 2022, Balen contested the Kathmandu mayoral election as an independent candidate. Without the backing of Nepal’s traditional political parties, he won a landslide victory. It signalled a public yearning for fresh leadership. His win inspired young Nepalese to believe that change was possible even without party machinery.

His achievements

One of Balen’s first big challenges as mayor was Kathmandu’s chronic waste management problem. Balen took a hands-on approach, personally overseeing garbage collection drives, addressing landfill site disputes, and pushing for systematic solutions. His proactive stance earned him credibility as a problem-solver.

By opening up discussions to the public, he strengthened accountability and transparency. Citizens could watch how decisions were being debated and passed, reducing space for backroom deals and political maneuvering. This practice was hailed as a groundbreaking reform in Nepali local governance.

An icon of Anti-Corruption

Balen has consistently spoken out against corruption, not just as a political slogan but through action. His administration has targeted illegal constructions, land encroachments, and irregularities within the municipal system. Demolishing unauthorized structures, even those linked to powerful elites, sent a clear message that the law would apply equally to all.

International Recognition

In 2023, Time magazine included him in its “Time100 Next” list, which highlights rising leaders and innovators across the world.

Is he anti-India?

Balen once announced a ban on screening Indian films in Kathmandu. While criticised by some as populist, the move won him admiration from those who saw it as a bold assertion of Nepal’s sovereignty and cultural identity. Many analysts saw this move as his anti-India approach.

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Personal life

Balen is married to Sabina Kafle, a public health professional with the United Nations Development Fund (UNDP). The couple got married in 2021 and has a daughter.