Balendra Shah

Balendra Shah, popularly known as Balen, is a Nepali rapper, civil engineer, and politician. He rose to fame as a hip-hop artist with socially conscious lyrics addressing corruption, injustice, and youth issues. In 2022, he made a stunning political debut by winning the Kathmandu Metropolitan City mayoral election as an independent candidate, defeating established party candidates by a massive margin. As mayor, Balen became known for his hands-on approach, personally overseeing demolition of illegal structures and enforcement of city regulations. His no-nonsense style earned him both admirers and critics. For the 2026 election, he joined RSP and is contesting against KP Oli in Jhapa-5, making it one of the most watched constituencies in Nepal.