April 27, 1990
Balen Shah, also known as Balendra Shah, is an independent politician, rapper, and engineer who currently serves as the mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City. Born in Gairigaun, Kathmandu, Balen initially gained fame through his involvement in the Nepali rap scene before transitioning into politics. In 2022, he ran for mayor and won, largely due to his popularity among younger voters and his strong stance on urban planning, waste management, and heritage conservation. Balen’s engineering background gives him a technical edge in addressing Kathmandu’s infrastructure challenges. His approach to politics, focusing on transparency, efficient governance, and youth engagement, has made him one of the most prominent and popular young leaders in Nepal today.
