Balen Shah Biography – Nepal’s Rapper-Turned-Mayor & Political Icon
Full Name | Balendra Shah (Balen Shah) |
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Date of Birth | April 27, 1990 |
Birthplace | Gairigaun, Tinkune, Kathmandu, Nepal |
Nationality | Nepali |
Profession | Politician, Structural Engineer, Rapper, Lyricist |
Years Active | 2012 – Present (Music), 2022–Present (Politics) |
Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
Education | BE in Civil Engineering (White House Institute of Technology, Nepal), MTech in Structural Engineering (VTU, India) |
Height | 5 ft 7 in (170 cm) |
Weight | Approx. 68 kg |
Relationship Status | Married |
Spouse | Anupama Bhattarai (Married in 2018) |
Net Worth (2025) | Estimated over NPR 6 Crore (~$500,000 USD) |
👨👩👧👦 Family Background
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Father: Uma Kant Shah (Government Officer)
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Mother: Mina Shah (Homemaker)
Balen was born and raised in Kathmandu in a middle-class, educated family. His upbringing deeply influenced his disciplined approach to public service and education.
❤️ Personal Life & Relationship
Balen is married to Sabina Kafle, a Nepali entrepreneur and social worker. Their relationship has been marked by mutual respect and support, particularly during his political campaigns.
📏 Body Size & Appearance
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Height: 5 ft 7 in
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Weight: 68 kg
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Hair Color: Black
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Eye Color: Brown
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Style Signature: Clean beard, glasses, casual Nepali-modern mix wardrobe
🎤 Music & Rap Career
Before entering politics, Balen was a pioneer in the Nepali underground hip-hop scene. Known for his intellectual and socially charged lyrics, he rose to fame through:
🎶 Popular Tracks & Battles:
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“Sadak Ko Kura”
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“Man Yo Udyo”
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Raw Barz Rap Battles (Notably vs. Laure)
His music is deeply rooted in activism, reality, and cultural consciousness—gaining him huge grassroots popularity.
🏛️ Political Journey
🗳️ Mayor of Kathmandu
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Elected: May 2022 (Independent Candidate)
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Votes Received: 61,767 (Landslide Victory)
🔨 Achievements as Mayor:
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Anti-encroachment and demolition drives
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Digital governance initiatives
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Waste management reforms
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Public space revitalization
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Introduction of accountability in local offices
Balen became a symbol of youth-driven change and independent politics in Nepal.
🏡 Property & Lifestyle
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Residence: Official Mayor’s Residence, Kathmandu
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Private Residence: Tinkune, Kathmandu
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Vehicles: Owns a personal SUV and motorbike
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Assets: Estimated real estate and assets totaling NPR 6+ Crore
📱 Social Media Presence
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Instagram: @balenshahofficial
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Facebook: Balen Shah – Mayor
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YouTube: Balen Shah
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Twitter/X: @ShahBalen
Balen is highly active on social media, engaging with youth and addressing citizen concerns directly.
🏆 Achievements & Recognition
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First independent mayor to win Kathmandu post-1990s
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Listed in numerous Nepali youth icons of the decade
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Featured in global outlets like Al Jazeera and BBC for grassroots politics
✅ Conclusion
Balen Shah is not just a political leader—he is a symbol of intellectual youth activism in Nepal. From rap battles to public battles, his journey is a blueprint for modern, conscious leadership. Whether in music or governance, Balen stands tall as a transformative figure of Nepal’s 21st-century landscape.
Note: All information is accurate as of May 2025. For the latest updates, follow Balen on her official social media channels.