Once a voice of protest through music, Balendra Shah aka ‘Balen’ is now at the center of Nepal’s political future—carrying both the hopes of a generation and the weight of rising expectations.
Shah has built an identity as an engineer, rapper, mayor and now the most preferred prime minister. Over the years, his music has resonated with the people, blending artistic expression with a clear sense of social direction.
Through his songs, Shah questioned those in power, provoked thought, and sparked public conversation. His engineering background, meanwhile, translated into tangible work, helping rebuild earthquake-resilient homes and contributing to urban infrastructure projects. His political journey has since reinforced a simple but powerful argument: willingness to act is what politics most desperately needs.
Most of his songs map social and political grievances onto a larger call for change, which resonates deeply among his followers. Farbin Napit, 21 says he has been a fan of Shah since grade seven.
“Personally, I believe he was influenced by politics even before he became mayor, and I think he will do great—if not the best—for our country’s development and for raising Nepal’s profile on the world stage.”
Shah’s discography tells its own history. Sadak Balak, released 13 years ago, follows a homeless teenage boy without access to education—a portrait of Nepal’s street children struggling for survival.
Prahari—also released 13 years ago, is about the controversial moment when police cut people’s hair on the pretext of preventing crime, an action that triggered student protests in 2070 BS.
Other notable tracks include Aam Nepali Buwa, Tathya, Nepal Haseko, Balidan, Savage, Sabailai Hataar Cha, and Local Thito. A common thread runs through all of them: political awareness and a deep connection to social issues. At a 2014 rap battle with Little Grizl, Shah declared, “History is meant to be changed. Balen has not come yet!” In hindsight, it reads less like a boast and more like a prophecy.
Those who have followed Shah reflect that sense of inevitability. Aayushi Shakya, 22 says she admires him because he is the first well-educated, well-known person to approach politics in this way.
“I started following him from his song Nepal Haseko. It was quite touching as a growing youth. I see him as a literate, self-confident person who truly believes he can change the nation. I also believe he will perform better than previous leaders.”
Samira Kiju, 20, says Shah is different from traditional politicians, which is refreshing. “I started following him more seriously around the 2022 Kathmandu mayoral election. Before that, I knew him mainly as a rapper, but his entry into politics made me pay closer attention.” She notes that Shah’s foray into politics never felt unconventional.
“He talked about social issues, corruption, and frustrations of youth through his music. So his political journey didn’t feel sudden. He always had political awareness—his journey into office made it official.”
Rajiv Maharjan, 20, has followed Shah since his mayoral campaign in Kathmandu. “As a person, I find him visionary, bold, and action-oriented. His rap showed social awareness; his political journey feels like a natural extension of that voice.” Rajiv is cautiously optimistic about Shah’s prime ministerial journey. “He has strong potential, but long-term results will matter most.”
Krishal Maharjan, 19, echoes that admiration. Like others, he discovered Shah through music and thinks his political instincts were present long before he ran for mayor.
A relative who knows Shah closely offered a more personal portrait. “He has a sharp memory and remembers people for a long time. He is very data-driven and tends to analyze things with a positive perspective.” The relative also pushed back against one common perception:“Some people think he is hard to approach, but he is actually open to those who reach out. He has clear plans and executes them smoothly. He speaks less, but when he does, his words are impactful.”
Political scientist Chandra Dev Bhatta says that public expectations from Shah are exceptionally high. “People are hopeful that Balen Shah will do his best for the nation. There is a strong sense of trust and optimism surrounding him.” He highlighted Shah’s working style as a defining characteristic. “Unlike many traditional political figures who tended to talk more and work less, Balen believes in working more and speaking less.”
On the question of political experience, Bhatta says while Shah may not have decades of political exposure, he has already proven himself as the mayor of Kathmandu. “He may not have long-term experience, but he has already proven himself through his work. “As an independent mayoral candidate, he not only won the election but also performed effectively.”
Bhatta adds experience alone has never been a guarantee of a competent leader. “Willingness and intent matter as much as experience. Previous leaders may have had 50–60 years of experience, but that alone did not produce results. Shah’s commitment to change and his focus on action could be more impactful than rhetoric.”
Bhatta is also aware of the challenges that lie ahead for Shah after he has been sworn-in as the prime minister. Meeting high public expectations, ensuring good governance, managing fractious political landscape, and navigating complex geopolitical relationships will test whether Shah can prove his mettle at the national stage.
