Born in Naradevi, Kathmandu
Balendra Shah
बालेन्द्र शाह
Also known as Balen Shah, Balen
Prime Minister of Nepal; former Mayor of Kathmandu and rapper
Currently Prime Minister of Nepal , Government of Nepal
About
Balendra Shah is a Nepali politician who rose to national prominence as an independent candidate for Mayor of Kathmandu in 2022, before moving into national politics and becoming Prime Minister of Nepal in 2026. Before entering politics, he was known in Nepal’s hip-hop scene as a rapper whose music addressed corruption and inequality. He trained as a structural engineer.
Quick facts
- Born
- 1990-04-27
- Birthplace
- Naradevi, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Profession
- Politician, Structural engineer, Rapper
- Current role
- Prime Minister of Nepal, Government of Nepal
- Nationality
- Nepal
- Status
- Alive
Current roles
-
Prime Minister of Nepal
Government of Nepal · since 2026-03-27
Previous roles
-
Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City
Kathmandu Metropolitan City · 2022-05–2026-01-18
Education
-
Himalayan Whitehouse International College
Bachelor's, Civil Engineering
-
Visvesvaraya Technological University
Master's, Structural Engineering
Career & life timeline
- 1990
- 2012
Released debut rap single "Sadak Balak" ("Street Child")
- 2022
Elected Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City as an independent candidate
- 2026-01-18
Resigned as Mayor of Kathmandu to contest the national election
- 2026-03
Rastriya Swatantra Party won a majority in the general election
- 2026-03-27
Sworn in as Prime Minister of Nepal
Achievements
Won the 2022 Kathmandu mayoral election as an independent candidate, defeating major-party candidates
2022
Explore on Nepalwide
Sources
- Balendra Shah | Biography & Facts Reputable media
- Balen Shah Other
- Balendra Shah (Balen): Detailed Biography Other
Last updated: 2026-08-31