Balendra Shah, or "Balen," aged 35, a former famous rapper who transitioned into politics, is being watched as Nepal's next potential prime minister after his party's overwhelming election win.
His name has become a symbol of Nepal's "Gen Z revolution" in politics, as young people rise to challenge the long-standing entrenched elite.
Before entering politics, Balen graduated in engineering but was known as a rapper who used his music to highlight social issues.
One of his most talked-about works is the song "Nepal Haseko," expressing the hope to see "Nepal smile again."
In 2022, Balen fully entered politics by becoming the mayor of Kathmandu. His image became that of a new-generation politician who acts rather than just talks.
A turning point came last September, when youth protests erupted nationwide, triggered by a social media ban but rooted in long-standing frustrations over economic problems, limited opportunities, and politics monopolized by elites.
The crackdown resulted in fatalities and led to the resignation of the government led by K. P. Sharma Oli.
At that time, protest leaders wanted Balen to become interim prime minister, but he declined and chose instead to run in the official election.
Balen ran in the Japa 5 constituency, a stronghold of Oli, and won decisively with 68,348 votes to 18,724. His party, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), captured at least 122 of 165 seats.
This victory may lead to a stable majority government and marks one of the most transformative election outcomes in Nepalese politics in decades.
Balen's victory reflects both public disillusionment with traditional politics and the aspirations of a younger generation seeking change.
High societal expectations may become a major test, as upon becoming prime minister, he will face significant political, economic, and geopolitical challenges.