KATHMANDU: In the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5, the presence of figures from Nepal’s arts and creative sectors has become notably prominent.
Alongside traditional political heavyweights, individuals known for their work in art, music, cinema and social activism have entered active electoral politics, turning the election into not just a political contest but also a platform for ideas, creativity and alternative visions.
With slogans centered on good governance, change and nation-building, several well-known artists have filed candidacies under both the first-past-the-post and proportional representation systems. Their participation has sparked renewed debate about the role of artists in Nepali politics.
Actress Nisha Adhikari has emerged as a focal point of political discussion after becoming a direct candidate from Kathmandu–5 on behalf of the Pragatisheel Loktantrik Party. A central committee member of the party, Adhikari has cited youth unemployment and weak state management as her primary motivations for entering politics. Her main agenda is “sustainable employment in every ward,” and she has pledged to dedicate the next ten years of her life to serving the country.
The most talked-about candidacy this election, however, is that of Balen Shah. The rapper and former mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City is contesting as a direct candidate from Jhapa–5 under the banner of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). His move to Jhapa to compete against CPN-UML Chair and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has significantly heightened political interest and media attention.
Having risen to national prominence after winning the mayoral race as an independent candidate, Shah has been projected by Raswpa as a potential prime ministerial figure. Known for his strong influence among youth through music, satire and rebellious expression, Shah’s candidacy has strengthened debates around alternative political forces in Nepal.
Actress and social activist Ashika Tamang is also contesting as a direct candidate from Dhading–1 on behalf of RSP. Long active on issues of social justice, human rights and women’s empowerment, Tamang has stated that she aims to serve both her constituency and the nation through politics. While claiming to rise above traditional party politics, she has chosen to contest under RSP, and her recent social activism has drawn noticeable voter attention.
Strong artist presence in proportional representation lists
Artists have also made a strong showing in the proportional representation lists. Popular presenter and actress Rima Bishwakarma is a proportional candidate from RSP under the Dalit women cluster. Having begun her political journey with the Ujyalo Nepal Party, she became a candidate following a brief party unification between Ujyalo and RSP. Although the alliance later collapsed and she remained with RSP, prompting accusations of opportunism, Bishwakarma has long been active in media and social issues and is seen as representing Dalit voices.
Singer, composer and actor Prakash Saput has been nominated from RSP under the Dalit men cluster. Widely known for socially conscious works such as Bolmaya, Galbandi and Damai Maharaj, Saput’s entry into politics is viewed by many as a natural extension of his artistic activism. Expectations are high that he would amplify social issues in Parliament.
Former Miss Nepal Anushka Shrestha is also a proportional candidate from RSP under the Indigenous Nationalities women cluster. Her candidacy has generated wide discussion, particularly given her achievements at Miss World 2019, where she placed among the top 12 and won the ‘Beauty with a Purpose’ and ‘Multimedia’ titles for Nepal. Shrestha is also an entrepreneur, running a luxury confectionery brand named ‘Makkuse.’
Singer and CPN-UML leader Komal Oli has been included in the UML’s proportional list. She previously lost a direct election and has served as a member of the National Assembly.
Folk singer Ramesh Prasain is contesting as a proportional candidate from RSP under the Khas-Arya men cluster. Known for live folk duet performances and sharp social commentary, his political entry is being interpreted as a sign of growing alternative political consciousness.
Concentration within a few parties
This election has seen artists nominated by only a handful of parties, namely CPN-UML, RSP, the Pragatisheel Loktantrik Party and the Ujyalo Nepal Party. Among them, RSP has fielded the largest number of artist candidates.
Notably, major parties such as the Nepali Congress and the CPN (Maoist Centre) have not included artists among their candidates.
The entry of artists into electoral politics has injected new energy into Nepal’s democratic process. The key question now extends beyond their electoral success or failure to whether, once in Parliament, they can translate their ideas, commitments and integrity into meaningful political practice.
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