Balen Shah dark sunglasses
Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah, popularly known as Balen Shah, drew attention during his first address to the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday. Even at the high-profile international gathering, Shah wore his trademark dark sunglasses.
The sunglasses have become a defining part of his public image. However, they are not simply a fashion choice. According to Shah’s office, a doctor has advised him to wear dark glasses to protect his eyes from bright light.
Shah addressed the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly on climate change. He spoke about Nepal’s recent floods and the impact of a warming climate on the Himalayan ecosystem.
His appearance also attracted attention. He wore a black blazer, a traditional black Nepali hat and his signature dark sunglasses.
Shah is known to wear his sunglasses during parliamentary sessions, public ceremonies, military parades and photographs with foreign ambassadors. However, he generally does not wear them during cabinet meetings or private conversations.
Before entering politics, Shah was a well-known rapper. His dark sunglasses were already part of his distinctive appearance during his music career. The style became even more closely associated with him after he won the Kathmandu mayoral election in 2022.
He has retained the same appearance since becoming prime minister. His combination of dark clothing and sunglasses has gradually become part of his public persona.
The popularity of the style has also extended to the market. Online retailers in Nepal have sold sunglasses marketed around the “Balen Shah glasses” look.
Although Shah rarely appears in public without his sunglasses, there have been notable occasions when he has removed them.
In July, he took off his sunglasses while addressing the public following communal clashes in southern Nepal. He also appeared without them during a visit to areas affected by floods in August. Earlier, he had removed them while delivering an emotional message to his supporters.
The sunglasses also became a subject of discussion in Nepal’s parliament in August. After questions were raised about wearing dark glasses during parliamentary proceedings, Shah’s office cited medical advice. The Parliament Secretariat subsequently allowed him to wear them when medically necessary.
Therefore, while Shah’s appearance at the UN once again highlighted his distinctive style, his office has cited a medical reason for the sunglasses. At the same time, the glasses have become closely associated with his public identity.
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