His sunglasses and songs are the rage, but the ex-Kathmandu mayor has his sights on Nepal's top job.

Former rapper Balen Shah, 35, is emerging as a favorite for Nepal's next prime minister, representing an outsider's rise and attracting young voters through social media following recent protests.

Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah has reportedly removed a Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)-tied industrial park project from his election pledges.