Balen Shah, also known as Balen, is a renowned Nepalese rapper, structural engineer, and now the esteemed 15th mayor of Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. With a strong presence in the Nepalese hip-hop scene since the early 2010s, Shah has established himself as a prominent figure in the music industry. However, his talents extend beyond music, as he holds a master’s degree in structural engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) in Karnataka, India. Combining his creative and technical expertise, Balen Shah has now ventured into politics, making history as the first independent candidate to be elected as the mayor of Kathmandu municipality.
Early Life and Education
Born on April 27, 1990, in Naradevi, Kathmandu, Balen Shah is the youngest son of Ram Narayan Shah, an Ayurvedic practitioner, and Dhruvadevi Shah. His parents relocated to Kathmandu from Mahottari after his father’s assignment at Naradevi Ayurvedic Hospital. While his paternal ancestral home is in Mahottari’s Ekdara Rural Municipality, his mother’s family resides in Dhanusha.
For his secondary education, Shah attended V.S. Niketan Higher Secondary School. He then pursued a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Himalayan Whitehouse International College. Expanding his knowledge further, he completed his master’s degree in structural engineering from VTU in India.
Personal Life
Balen Shah is happily married to Sabina Kafle, a dedicated public health professional. Together with their family, they reside in Gairigaun, Tinkune.
Music Career
Music and poetry captivated Balen Shah from a young age. In 2012, he released his debut single, “Sadak Balak,” which he had penned while in the ninth grade. However, it was his appearance on the YouTube battle rap series Raw Barz in 2013 that propelled him to fame among Nephop enthusiasts.
Political Aspirations
Prior to the promulgation of the Constitution of Nepal in 2015, Balen Shah actively participated in the “We For Constitution” movement. In the 2017 local elections, he initially expressed interest in running for Kathmandu’s mayorship but later withdrew his candidacy.
Kathmandu Mayoral Election 2022
The idea of running for the mayoral race had been brewing in Balen Shah’s mind since 2020. On December 17, 2021, he officially announced his independent candidacy through his Facebook Page. His campaign centered around critical issues such as waste management, road traffic control, public service delivery, anti-corruption measures, and the preservation of the city’s cultural heritage.
Shah emerged victorious in the 2022 Kathmandu mayoral election held on May 26, securing an impressive 38.6% of the total votes. His victory marked a significant milestone as he surpassed his rivals, Sirjana Shrestha from the Nepali Congress and former mayor Keshav Sthapit from the CPN (UML), by a margin of over 23,000 votes. On May 30, 2022, Balen Shah was officially sworn in as the mayor of Kathmandu, administering the oath of office to the other elected members of the municipal assembly.
Controversies and Criticisms
Despite his achievements, Balen Shah has faced criticism regarding certain aspects of his rap lyrics, particularly the presence of profane and misogynistic elements. Additionally, he found himself embroiled in controversy when a sacred crown was used in the hip-hop reality TV show “Nephopko Shreepech,” where he served as a judge.
Street vendor crackdowns: Enforcement drives to clear pavements and public spaces drew criticism and human-rights concerns; videos showing rough handling of vendors caused domestic protests and calls for more humane, livelihood-sensitive alternatives. Human Rights Watch and local activists documented concerns.
2025 political moment — Gen-Z protests & national speculation
In September 2025 mass protests led by younger Nepalis demanded accountability and change; these demonstrations contributed to the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli. During this crisis, Shah emerged as a prominent public figure who many young protesters wanted in a national leadership role or as part of a neutral interim authority. Media coverage treated him as a leading candidate in public imagination, though Shah did not immediately accept a national political nomination nor formally announce a candidacy for prime minister. The moment underscored his rapid rise from municipal politics to a national symbolic leader for reform-oriented youth.
Conclusion
Balen Shah’s journey from being a talented rapper and structural engineer to becoming the mayor of Kathmandu exemplifies his versatility and determination. With his passion for music, technical expertise, and political vision, he aims to contribute significantly to the development and welfare of the capital city. As Balen Shah continues to make his mark, his accomplishments stand as an inspiration for aspiring individuals seeking to merge their diverse talents and create a positive impact in their communities. For more information, visit his official website at balenformayor.com.
FAQs
Who is Balen Shah?
Balendra “Balen” Shah is a Nepali rapper, structural engineer and independent politician serving as the 15th mayor of Kathmandu since May 30, 2022.
What are Balen Shah’s main policies?
Focus on waste management & segregation, traffic & road repairs, anti-corruption transparency measures and promotion of cultural tourism. Enforcement and pilot projects for waste segregation were expanded through 2024–2025.
