PM Balendra Shah listed among 100 most influential persons

Balendra Shah, recently elected Prime Minister of Nepal has been named one of the 100 most influential people in the world for 2026 by Time Magazine. The 36-year-old leader popularly known as “Balen”, categorized under ‘Leaders,’ was also recognized as one of the 24 most impactful global figures.

The British-based media outlet highlighted Shah’s extraordinary journey from a “former hip-hop star” to the youngest Prime Minister in Nepal’s history. Appointed on March 27, 2026, following a landslide victory in the March 5 general elections, Shah’s rise is viewed as a major disruption to South Asia’s traditional dynastic politics. By academic qualification he holds structural engineer and Master’s degree. He was Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC).  

Time noted that his victory was fuelled by “unprecedented youth support” and a widespread distaste for the established political guard.

The TIME Magazine has highlighted Shah’s rapid political rise from a rapper and engineer to the country’s top office within a few years. It noted that his landslide electoral victory in March 2026 came after youth-led protests demanding an end to corruption and political stagnation.

The magazine described his ascent as part of a broader generational shift, driven by young voters rejecting traditional political elites.

Shah first gained prominence after winning the Kathmandu mayoral election in 2022 as an independent candidate. His tenure focused on urban reforms such as waste management, education, and public services.

In 2026, he led his party to a sweeping national victory and became Nepal’s youngest prime minister, signalling a major political transition in the country.