On September 14, 2025, Balendra Shah, popularly known as Balen, is recognized as a unique and inspiring leader in Nepal. He is not only the current mayor of Kathmandu, the capital city, but also a former rapper and a trained civil engineer. His story is well loved by many, especially young people in Nepal who see him as a fresh and honest voice in politics. Balen’s life shows how talent, education, and passion for change can come together to create an important leader who is different from usual politicians.
Early Life And Background
Balendra Shah was born on April 27, 1990, in Naradevi, a busy area in Kathmandu. He comes from a Buddhist family that originally belongs to the Maithil Madhesi community. His father, Ram Narayan Shah, worked as an Ayurvedic doctor, and his mother is Dhruvadevi Shah. He grew up in Kathmandu, where his parents had moved for his father’s work. From a young age, Balen was a bright student who loved to learn. He completed his school studies at V.S. Niketan Higher Secondary School. Later, he went on to study civil engineering, earning a bachelor’s degree from Himalayan Whitehouse International College in Kathmandu .
Education And Career
Balendra did not stop his studies after his bachelor’s degree. He pursued further education in India, at Visvesvaraya Technological University in Karnataka. There, he completed a master’s degree in structural engineering. This field of study gave him strong skills in understanding buildings, roads, and urban structures. His knowledge as a structural engineer has helped him a lot in his role as mayor, where planning the city’s development is very important,
Balendra Shah Age, Wikipedia, Biography, Education, Religion, Wife, Family
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Balendra Shah (known as Balen) |
| Date of Birth | April 27, 1990 |
| Place of Birth | Kathmandu, Nepal |
| Ethnicity/Origin | Maithil Madhesi origin, from a Newar Buddhist family |
| Parents | Father: Ram Narayan Shah (Ayurvedic practitioner) |
| Education | Bachelor's in Civil Engineering from Himalayan Whitehouse International College |
| Master's (MTech) in Structural Engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University, India | |
| PhD Studies | Pursuing PhD in Civil Engineering at Kathmandu University on "Conservation of Newa Heritage Structure" |
| Profession Before Politics | Structural Engineer, Rapper (part of Nepalese hip-hop since 2012) |
| Political Position | 15th Mayor of Kathmandu, elected 2022 as first independent mayor |
| Political Campaign | Focused on anti-corruption, waste management, road traffic control, cultural heritage |
| Election Details | Won 61,767 votes (38.6%), defeating candidates from Nepali Congress and CPN (UML) |
| Personal Life | Married to Sabina Kafle |
| Notable Controversy | Displayed a "Greater Nepal" map in office, sparking controversy with India |
| Public Image | Known for direct communication, technical approach, youth appeal, former rapper |
Career
Before entering politics, Balendra Shah was very well known in Nepal as a rapper. He chose the nickname "Balen" for his music career. He began rapping around 2012 and soon gained popularity among fans of Nepali hip-hop, known as Nephop. His songs were not just entertainment; they had messages about social problems. He spoke about corruption, inequality, and the daily difficulties people face. His music gave a voice to young people who wanted change. In 2013, he got special attention when he appeared on YouTube’s rap battle show called Raw Barz. Besides music, he also worked as a judge on a hip-hop reality show, which gave him more public attention,
Political Journey
In 2021, Balendra Shah decided to change his career path and join politics. He wanted to serve his city Kathmandu, which had many problems like traffic jams, bad waste management, and corruption. On December 17, 2021, he announced he would run for mayor as an independent candidate. This was important because most politicians in Nepal belong to big parties, but Shah wanted to show that an independent person could also lead.
On May 26, 2022, Balendra Shah won the mayoral election with 38.6% of the vote. He beat candidates from big political parties, like Nepali Congress and Communist Party of Nepal (UML), by a large margin of over 23,000 votes. This victory surprised many because he was the first independent candidate to become the mayor of Kathmandu. He took the oath as mayor on May 30, 2022,
Achievements
As mayor, Balendra Shah focused on important issues that affect everyday life in Kathmandu. His main goals were to stop corruption, manage city waste better, reduce traffic problems, and protect Kathmandu’s beautiful cultural heritage. Shah also brought transparency to the city government. For example, he started live broadcasts of municipal council meetings, so people could see what their leaders were doing in real time.
One notable campaign he introduced is called “Textbook-free Friday,” aimed at community schools. This program allows students to learn technical and creative skills outside regular textbooks, helping those who do not have many resources. He also took strong actions against illegal buildings, which often caused trouble in the city by blocking roads or causing floods. Shah’s work is loved by many young people who feel he understands their needs and speaks in a simple, honest way,
Personal Life
Balendra Shah is married to Sabina Kafle and they have a daughter. He also founded his own construction company in 2017 called Balen Consulting & Construction Pvt. Ltd. He enjoys singing, reading, and traveling in his free time. Shah practices Hinduism and belongs to the Chhetri caste. Despite being a busy politician, he remains connected with his community and continues to use social media to communicate with citizens.
Popularity And Future
Balendra Shah is seen as a symbol of hope and change by many in Nepal, especially the youth. His journey from a rapper to the mayor shows that with courage and honesty, anyone can make a difference. Recently, due to political unrest and protests in Nepal, many young people are calling for him to become the next Prime Minister. Shah represents a new kind of leader who is not tied to old political ways but is focused on action and progress.
His popularity on social media and his direct approach to solving problems have made him one of the most important young leaders in Nepal today. Many believe that Shah’s style of leadership could bring new energy and development to the whole country,
Life Story
Balendra Shah’s story is inspiring not only for Nepali citizens but also for people everywhere who want honest leaders. His mix of skills in engineering, music, and politics shows how varied talents can help build a better society. As of September 14, 2025, he stands as a role model for young people who dream of changing the world around them with simple ideas and strong will,