Popular showbiz figures contesting March 5 polls

Kathmandu, Feb. 6: A number of figures from entertainment industry joining the polls fray -- both under proportional representation and direct seats -- has added glamour to the upcoming House of Representatives elections scheduled for March 5.

One of the most popular candidates is Balendra Shah (Balen), a rapper-turned-politician. He is contesting from Jhapa constituency-5 from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). Interestingly, he is running in the same constituency as former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Although Shah is the outgoing Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, he stepped down from his mayoral responsibilities to contest the upcoming election.

Actress and model Nisha Adhikari is contesting as a direct candidate from Kathmandu Constituency - 5 representing the Gatisheel Loktantrik Party.

She said she has long been interested in social issues and Nepal’s position in global politics. She has completed her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in political science and is currently pursuing an MPhil at Tribhuvan University in Conflict, Peace, and Development Studies. She said her decision to enter politics was not sudden. “I had planned to contest the 2084 election after completing my MPhil, but I feel that now is the right time.”

The main agenda of her Gatisheel Loktantrik Party is economic transformation. To achieve this, the party has outlined major action plans focusing on agriculture, hydropower, information technology, education, transportation and tourism. The party has adopted the slogan ‘Sustainable employment in every ward,’ she added.

For her constituency, she has identified five specific priorities including sustainable employment and entrepreneurship, meaningful participation of women, not just in numbers but in decision-making roles, safe infrastructure, promotion of sports, arts and the creative economy, and ensuring citizens’ dignity and a secure old age.

“I want to build a dream Nepal where everyone has access to resources and rights,” she added.

When asked about her artistic career if elected, she said, “If I am elected, my first priority will be the country and my responsibilities. As a Member of Parliament, there will be extensive study, research and work on policies and laws, leaving no time for artistic pursuits. I am mentally prepared for this and will devote the next ten years entirely to politics.”

Likewise, folk singer and actor Prakash Saput has entered politics through the Rastriya Swatantra Party. Speaking to The Rising Nepal, Saput said his decision was driven by a long-standing sense of responsibility towards society and the nation. Although successful as an artist, he said he had always sought to raise social awareness through his work and now wished to contribute at the policy-making level.

Saput said the country’s current situation and the public’s search for a new political force motivated his decision to enter the politic.

He revealed that he had received offers from several parties during the 2079 elections but chose the RSP because it represents new ideas, youth leadership and a commitment to reforming corrupt political practices.

He clarified that he does not intend to make politics a full-time profession and will continue his artistic career after the election, using his experiences to better understand and raise public issues in politics.

Similarly, popular television journalist Rishi Dhamala and his wife, actress and model Aliza Gautam, are also participating in the March 5 election. Dhamala is contesting from Rautahat-4 representing the Aam Janata Party, while Gautam is contesting under proportional representation from the Women Khas category from the same party. 

Dhamala’s election campaign has drawn widespread attention on TikTok and Reels, with people creating humorous short clips imitating his actions and expressions during his election campaign.

Another popular television host and actress, Reema Bishwokarma, has also entered politics. She initially joined politics through the Kul Man Ghising-led Ujyalo Nepal Party but later joined the Rastriya Swatantra Party following a short-lived merger. She is contesting under proportional representation and is currently busy meeting voters.

In addition, former Miss Nepal Anushka Shrestha, singer Satyakala Rai and former Mr. Nepal Dr. Rupak Ghimire are also contesting in the upcoming elections.