"म नेपाल हाँसेको हेर्न चाहन्छु"

Balendra Shah (Balen) !!!

Profession: Structural Engineer, Rapper, Politician Education:

BE in Civil Engineering – Himalayan Whitehouse International College

MTech in Structural Engineering – Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), India

PhD (ongoing) – Kathmandu University

Research Topic: Conservation of Newa Heritage Structures to promote tourism and economy

Music Career:

Active in Nepali hip-hop (Nephop) since 2012

Genres: Hip hop, Political hip-hop

Known for socially and politically conscious rap

Rose to prominence through Raw Barz battle rap series

Major Initiatives as Mayor:

Introduced live telecast of Kathmandu municipal council meetings

Focus on solid waste management

Road traffic control and urban discipline

Demolition of illegally built structures

Uncovering and conservation of Tukucha River

Launched “Textbook-Free Friday” program in community schools

Independent (elected in 2022)

Joined Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) in late 2025

Election Result (2022 Kathmandu Mayoral Election):

Votes received: 61,767

Vote share: 38.6%

First independent candidate to win Kathmandu mayoral election Current Position:

15th Mayor of Kathmandu

Assumed office: 30 May 2022

Deputy Mayor: Sunita Dangol

Date of Birth: 27 April 1990

Age: 35 (as of 2025)

Place of Birth: Kathmandu, Nepal

Spouse: Sabina Kafle (Public Health Professional)

Residence: Tinkune, Kathmandu