1990
Early Life
Born in the Heart of Kathmandu
Balendra Shah is born in Naradevi, Kathmandu — the ancient core of Nepal's capital — to a Madheshi family that had migrated from Mahottari.
Apr 1990Naradevi, Kathmandu
Balen Shah
From the streets of Naradevi to the halls of Singha Durbar
Rapper · Engineer · Mayor · Prime Minister
The story of how a hip-hop artist from Kathmandu's ancient lanes became the voice of a generation — and then its leader.
Nephop PioneerKathmandu Mayor 2022–26Prime Minister 2026
Timeline
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Events
29 events found
2002
Early Life
School Days at V.S. Niketan
Young Balen attends V.S. Niketan Higher Secondary School in Kathmandu, developing early interests in science, mathematics, and poetry.
Mar 2002Kathmandu, Nepal
2012
Music & Nephop
"Sadak Balak" — A Street Kid Finds His Voice
While still in ninth grade, Balen releases his debut single "Sadak Balak" (Street Kid), entering Nepal's underground hip-hop scene with raw lyrics about life on the margins.
Dec 2011Kathmandu, Nepal
2014
Engineering
Engineering Degree — Building Knowledge
Balen earns his Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering from Himalayan WhiteHouse International College, Kathmandu.
Dec 2013Kathmandu, Nepal
2015
Music & Nephop
Raw Barz Champion — The Battle Rapper
Balen wins the second season of Raw Barz, Nepal's premier rap battle league, cementing his reputation as one of Nephop's fiercest lyricists.
Dec 2014Kathmandu, Nepal
2015
Engineering
The 2015 Earthquake — An Engineer Responds
When the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake strikes Nepal, Balen joins rebuilding efforts as a structural engineer, witnessing firsthand the cost of poor construction.
Apr 2015Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
2017
Engineering
Master's in Structural Engineering — India
Balen completes his MTech in Structural Engineering from Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology (VTU), Karnataka, India, deepening his technical expertise.
Dec 2016Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
2018
Early Life
Marrying Sabina Kafle
Balen Shah marries Sabina Kafle, settling in Gairigaun, Sinamangal, Kathmandu — as he balances his engineering career, music, and growing political ambitions.
Dec 2017Kathmandu, Nepal
The Balen Shah Story: From Rapper to Prime Minister
Balendra "Balen" Shah (born April 27, 1990) is a Nepali rapper, structural engineer, and politician who rose from the underground hip-hop scene of Kathmandu to become Nepal's Prime Minister in March 2026. Born in Naradevi, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Kathmandu, to a Madheshi family from Mahottari, Balen became the first independent Mayor of Kathmandu in 2022 and the first Madheshi Prime Minister in Nepal's history.
His music career began in 2012 with the track "Sadak Balak" (Street Kid), followed by winning Raw Barz Season 2, Nepal's premier rap battle league. His politically charged tracks "Balidan" (Sacrifice, 2019) and "Nepal Haseko" (Nepal Smiling, 2021) became anthems for a generation frustrated with political corruption, with Nepal Haseko amassing over 10 million views on YouTube.
As Mayor of Kathmandu from 2022 to 2026, Balen launched sweeping reforms including demolition of illegal structures, free ambulance services, 32 urban health centers, scholarships for over 30,000 students, river protection policies, and heritage restoration. After the September 2025 Gen Z protests that toppled PM Oli, Balen joined the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and led them to a historic landslide victory in the March 2026 general election, defeating former PM K.P. Sharma Oli in his own constituency of Jhapa-5.