Kashmira Cooke- Biography of sister of Freddie Mercury
Who is Kashmira Cooke?
Kashmira Cooke is the sister of Queen’s frontman Freddie Mercury.
The Queen band became an overnight worldwide sensation, bringing her into the limelight. Having started as a small rock band called “Smile,” they became the world’s most popular band.
Their success is unrivaled. Fans loved Queen’s songs worldwide, and they were everywhere. With that, their loved ones also caught the eye of the media.
Kashmira Cooke has been one of the main sources for learning about the life of Freddie Mercury for his fans.
Let’s learn more about the sister of Freddie.
Quick facts
Name | Kashmira Cooke |
Maiden name | Kashmira Bulsara |
Birthday | 1952 |
Age | 72 years old |
Sun sign | No information |
Traits | Unknown |
Birthplace | Zanzibar, Tanzania |
Currently residing | Nottingham, England, UK |
Nationality | British |
Parents | Bomi Rustomji Bulsara, Jer Bulsara |
Grandparents | Devkor Bulsara, Givind Bulsara |
Sibling | Freddie Mercury |
Marital status | Married |
Spouse | Roger Cooke |
Children | Jamal Zook, Nathalie Cooke |
Education | Isleworth College or West Thames College |
Profession | House maker |
Net worth | Around USD 20 Million |
Social media | None |
Hair | Brunette, Short Bob Haircut |
Height | 5’6” |
Early life
Kashmira Bulsara Cooke was born in Zanzibar in 1952 to Jer and Bomi Bulsara in Zanzibar, Tanzania. Her parents are Parsi from Bombay, India.
Until 1963, Zanzibar was under a British protectorate. However, the revolution in Zanzibar was heating up, ultimately leading to a revolt in 1964.
African Revolutionaries overthrew the Sultan of Zanzibar and the Arab government. In 1964, Kashmira’s family fled Tanzania and immigrated to Middlesex, England. Kashmira was 12, and her brother Freddie was 6.
Like most immigrant families, the Bulsaras underwent a series of social oppression. Additionally, immigrant kids go through rough childhood due to bullying and peer pressure.
Like every sibling relationship in the world, it was natural to have some healthy sibling rivalry between Kashmira and Freddie. There were some occasional bickerings between the siblings.
These memories are the ones that siblings later remember and laugh about when they grow older.
The bond between Kashmira and her brother Freddie was unique and strong.
There is not much information about Kashmira Cooke’s educational background, her schooling, and the type of degree she attained. However, Kashmira may have attended West Thames College or Isleworth College as her brother did, but there is no proof to back it up.
Family
The Bulsara family had four members: Bomi Rustomji Bulsara (father), Jer Bulsara (mother), Freddie, and Kashmira.
Parents
Bomi Rustomji Bulsara was a man firmly committed to Parsee’s faith, so he didn’t find it easy to accept the path Freddie chose as his career. Nevertheless, he always loved his family and supported them as much as possible.
In addition, he helped Freddie in his rockstar lifestyle.
Bomi worked as a cashier for the British Colonial Office while at Zanzibar. He passed away in 2003 at the age of 95.
Kashmira Cooke’s mother, Jer Bulsara, was a powerful woman and a housewife who always supported her family during highs and lows.
The lead guitarist of Queen, Brian May, recalls her always welcoming them with a cup of tea upon their visit to Freddi, which shows her kindness and generosity towards people.
Unfortunately, Jer Bulsara died on November 13, 2016, at 94. Kashmira confirmed her death in a press conference. According to Kash, her mother died peacefully in her sleep.
Bulsara received a private Zoroastrian funeral ceremony.
Freddie Mercury
We all know about Kashmira’s brother Freddie Mercury and his legendary contribution to the music industry. His real name is Farrokh Bulsara.
Leading the band Queen, Freddie sold millions of albums worldwide and is considered one of the greatest rock vocalists.
His live appearances always lit up the audience and interacted with them as no other did. In addition, Freddie often visited his family despite his busy life and loved spending time with them.
Unfortunately, he met his untimely demise on November 24, 1991, at 45, due to bronchopneumonia as a complication of aids.
This news shocked the world and left many heartbroken, especially his family.
Following Freddie’s death, Bomi and Jer Bulsara moved from London to Nottingham.
According to Kashmira, her parents wanted to live closer to family and friends after Freddie’s death.
Roger Cooke (husband)
Kashmira Cooke married famous English singer-songwriter and record producer Roger Cooke in 1972.
The pair welcomed their first child Jamal Zook and later welcomed their second child, their daughter Nathalie Cooke.
The family of four was doing well and living in England. Kashmira and Roger even attended many red carpet events together.
But after spending many years together, the couple decided to go their separate ways and get a divorce. The reason for their split up is unknown, but Kashmira confirmed her divorce from Roger.
Kashmira took her husband’s last name Cooke after marriage and still carries his name despite the divorce.
Career
Kashmira Cooke has appeared in several movies and documentaries, including The story of Bohemian Rhapsody, Freddie Mercury, the untold story, Freddie Mercury: Magic remixed, and many more.
In all of these appearances, she has starred as herself as Freddie’s sister. In addition, Kashmira has also appeared in tv shows such as The One Show.
On October 23, 2018, the box office hit movie, based on the life of Freddie Mercury, Bohemian Rhapsody, had its World Premiere at The SSE Arena Wembley, London.
Everyone close to Freddie Mercury attended the event. Rami Malek did an excellent job of portraying the legendary rockstar Freddie Mercury. He even won an Academy Award for it. Actress Priya Blackburn beautifully depicted Kashmira’s role.
Rami Malek has said that Kashmira Cooke helped him a lot while preparing for the role.
In an interview, Rami said,
“I got to spend a lot of time with Kash. I call her Kash, which is a phenomenal thing I never thought I’d be doing in my life, and just being able to talk to her and hold her hand and give her a hug and have tea with her is such a gift. And to have had this experience and to feel some kinship with Freddie Mercury and to hear stories about him through his sister, it means everything to me.”
Talking about the world premiere in an interview, Kashmira Cooke said:
“My reaction was, I was very touched as to how all the band portrayed themselves. It felt very real, and it made me cry.”
Since Kashmira is the only living member of Freddie’s family, she’s the best source to learn about Freddie.
Net worth of Kashmira Cooke
Before his untimely demise, Freddie Mercury stated in his will to distribute fifty percent of his earnings would be given to Mary Austin (ex-wife) and the remaining fifty percent to his parents, including Kashmira.
After the demise of Bomi and Jer Bulsara, the amount was reverted to Mary, while Kashmira still received her 25 percent.
There are rumors that Kashmira was to be paid USD 25 million after the massive box office success of the epic biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, which portrayed the events that took place during the live aid 1985 at Wembley.
There is a rumor that each surviving member will receive USD 90 million after the movie earned USD 900 million.
However, this was never confirmed by any band members or by Kashmira.
As of 2024, Kashmir’s net worth is USD 20 million, according to some online sources.
Kashmira Cooke now
Sixty-eight years old, Kashmira Cooke has been living a peaceful life at her home in Nottingham.
She works on helping to keep her brother’s memories alive. Kashmira attends several events and interviews and always shares wonderful stories about Freddie Mercury and the bond they both shared.
Unfortunately, she is not very active on any social media platform.
If she was Freddie’s younger sibling, how was she 12, when her brother was 6?