Why Nepal PM Balendra Shah addressed UN with sunglasses on

Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah is known for his trademark dark sunglasses, which have become closely associated with his public image and political persona.

Shah, 36, wore his signature full-frame rectangular sunglasses while delivering his maiden address to the UN General Assembly on Thursday (24 September). In his speech, he warned world leaders that climate change is threatening the fragile ecology of the Himalayas.

Along with the sunglasses, Shah appeared in his familiar attire—a traditional black Nepali hat and a black blazer.

According to The Kathmandu Post, Shah follows a specific practice regarding when he wears his sunglasses. He is often seen wearing them during parliamentary sessions, official ceremonies, military parades and photo sessions with foreign ambassadors. However, he reportedly takes them off during cabinet meetings, private discussions and joint meetings.

How the Sunglasses Became Part of His Image

The former rapper-turned-politician has carried his signature look from his music career into politics. His dark sunglasses have become a defining feature of his public persona, while he largely communicates with the public through social media and rarely gives interviews or holds press conferences.

His distinctive eyewear has even become a commercial trend in Nepal. On the country's leading online shopping platform Daraz, searches for "Balen Shah glasses" bring up a range of sunglasses inspired by his trademark style.

Shah first attracted national attention when he won the Kathmandu mayoral election as an independent candidate in 2022, defeating established political forces. His black suit and dark sunglasses helped reinforce his image as an outsider to Nepal's traditional party politics.

Following a youth-led uprising in September 2025 that brought down the government of K P Sharma Oli Shah retained his distinctive appearance throughout his campaign earlier this year.

In the March parliamentary election that followed, his Rastriya Swatantra Party secured a landslide victory. Shah himself defeated Oli in an eastern constituency and went on to become prime minister.

Since taking office, he has continued to appear in public wearing his trademark sunglasses.

When Has Balen Shah Removed His Sunglasses?

There have been only a few notable occasions when Shah has removed his sunglasses while addressing the public.

In July, he took them off while speaking to the nation following deadly Hindu-Muslim clashes in southern Nepal. A month later, he again appeared without the glasses during a visit to areas devastated by floods.

On another occasion, months earlier, Shah removed his sunglasses while addressing supporters and telling them, "I love you."

His preference for dark sunglasses also became a subject of debate in parliament. In August, House Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal barred the wearing of dark sunglasses during parliamentary proceedings amid concerns over public criticism.

Later, however, The Kathmandu Post reported that Shah's office defended his choice, saying a doctor had advised him to wear sunglasses to protect his eyes from bright light.