Kashmira Bulsara, also recognized as Kashmira Cooke, is the sister of the iconic Queen frontman Freddie Mercury. She is the sole surviving individual who experienced Freddie's childhood alongside him.
Kashmira is known for offering insights into her brother's life, including his final days, and dispelling misconceptions about his death and religious beliefs. Let’s learn more about her life in detail.
Insights into the Sister of Freddie Mercury
Kashmira Cooke, born Kashmira Bulsara in 1952 in Zanzibar, Tanzania, is recognized as the sister of the legendary Queen frontman Freddie Mercury. She is currently 71 years old as of 2024, though her exact birth date remains undisclosed. Kashmira adopted her husband's surname, Cooke, after marriage, and her parents are Bomi Bulsara and Jer Bulsara. Her brother, the late Freddie Mercury, was born Farrokh Bulsara, and she also has a cousin named Perviz Darukhanawalla.
Kashmira has been noted for sharing intimate insights into her brother's life, including details about his final days and dispelling myths surrounding his death and religious beliefs. In Freddie's will, Kashmira inherited 25% of his wealth alongside their parents, while the bulk of his estate is entrusted to Mary Austin per his wishes.
Family Origins and Kashmira Cooke's Early Life
Kashmira Cooke's family has roots in British-ruled India. Her father, like many young men from the Gujarat region of western India, sought opportunities in the British protectorate of Zanzibar, where he worked as a cashier for the British High Court. It was during his visits to India for work that he met his wife, Jer.
Freddie Mercury, born Farrokh Bulsara, entered the world in Zanzibar on September 5, 1946. He attended primary school in the area before his parents sent him to the prestigious all-boys boarding school, St. Peter’s Church of England School, located in Panchgani, India. Despite initially excelling academically and athletically, Freddie's focus shifted towards music, leading to a decline in his grades. He completed his education at the Roman Catholic St. Joseph’s Convent School in Zanzibar, where he spent the final two years of his schooling.
Net Worth and Financial Status
As of now, the exact net worth and earnings of Kashmira Cooke remain undisclosed to the public. However, various online sources speculate her net worth to be approximately $17 million.
In contrast, her brother Freddie Mercury had amassed a net worth of $30 million at the time of his passing. Despite his considerable wealth, much of his estate is managed by Mary Austin per his wishes, leaving the precise distribution of assets among his family members a private matter.
Personal Life and Marriage to Roger Cooke
Kashmira Cooke, formerly known as Kashmira Bulsara, entered into matrimony with the English singer, songwriter, and record producer Roger Cooke in 1972. The couple later relocated to Nottingham, England, due to Roger's professional commitments. They are parents to two children, a son named Jamal Zook, and a daughter.
Following her marriage, Kashmira adopted her husband's surname, Cooke. Notably, around the time of their wedding, her brother's band, Queen, secured their first production deal with Trident Productions, marking a significant milestone in both her personal and familial spheres.
Also See: QUEEN frontman Late Freddie Mercury's Handwritten Set List on Sale
During the tumultuous Zanzibar Revolution of 1964, Kashmira Cooke's parents utilized their British passports to flee to England, with Kashmira herself being just 12 years old at the time. This significant event marked a pivotal juncture in their lives, prompting their relocation to a new country.
In pursuit of academic achievement, Kashmira's brother Freddie Mercury attended Isleworth College and Ealing Art College, graduating in 1969 with a diploma in graphic art and design. His early work at Heathrow Airport serves as a notable point in his journey, a detail portrayed in the film "Bohemian Rhapsody."
While details about Kashmira Cooke's educational path remain undisclosed, her family's heritage is rooted in the Indian Parsi community, with a strong adherence to the Zoroastrian faith. Freddie's participation in the Navjote ceremony at the age of eight underscores the family's commitment to their religious traditions, akin to other coming-of-age rituals in various faiths.
In adherence to Parsi tradition, Freddie Mercury left specific instructions for his funeral before his passing, underscoring the significance of cultural practices within the family. Despite being born in Tanzania, Kashmira Cooke's nationality is British, reflecting the complexities of her family's migration and cultural identity.
Loss and Continued Support for Queen
The passing of Kashmira Cooke's brother, Freddie Mercury, marked the first loss among her family members. Freddie succumbed to Bronchopneumonia as a consequence of AIDS on November 24, 1991, at the age of 45. His death in Kensington, England, left an indelible void in the music world, mourning the loss of one of its most iconic figures.
Despite Freddie's demise, Kashmira and her family remained steadfast in their support of his band, "Queen," regularly attending their concerts and ensuring his legacy endured. Tragedy struck again in 2003 with the passing of Kashmira's father, Bomi, further deepening the family's grief.
In 2016, the family faced another profound loss as Kashmira's mother, Jer, peacefully passed away in her sleep at the age of 94. Kashmira confirmed this news via a press conference, coincidentally occurring on the 25th Anniversary of Freddie's death, marking a poignant moment of remembrance for the family. Despite the passage of time, the memories and influence of Freddie Mercury continue to resonate, leaving an enduring legacy in the hearts of his loved ones and fans worldwide.
Physical Attributes
Kashmira Cooke possesses a height of 5 feet 6 inches and maintains an approximate weight of 67 kg.
While specific details regarding her body measurements such as chest-waist-hip, dress size, and shoe size are not publicly available, it is noted that she has dark brown eyes and matching hair color.
Kashmira Cooke does not maintain personal accounts on any social media platforms. Instead, her appearances are primarily related to her involvement with Queen's bandmates and coverage of her brother Freddie Mercury, and their family in the news and media.
While she may not engage directly on social media, her presence remains visible through these channels, often in connection with events related to the Queen and her family's legacy.
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