Balendra Shah

Balendra “Balen” Shah (born 27 April 1990) is a Nepali engineer, rapper, and politician who is currently serving as the 15th Mayor of Kathmandu. He came into politics as an independent, winning the 2022 mayoral election, and quickly gained a reputation for anti-corruption activism, transparency, and responsiveness, especially among Nepal’s younger population. His background in structural engineering and music gives him a mix of technical credibility and cultural appeal. Though still relatively new in formal politics, Balen has emerged as a prominent voice in the Gen Z movement, with many looking to him as a potential future Prime Minister.