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Freddie Mercury’s Parents: Jer and Bomi Bulsara – A Story of Love, Loss, and Legacy
Uncover the story of Freddie Mercury’s parents, Jer and Bomi Bulsara, who fled to the UK from Tanzania. Learn about their Parsi faith and family history.
Freddie Mercury’s Mum and Dad – Jer Bulsara and Bomi Bulsara
Did you know that Freddie Mercury, the legendary frontman of Queen, was born to Jer and Bomi Bulsara? Yup, it’s true! The Bulsara family hailed from Valsad, a western region of India, and followed the ancient Persian Zoroastrian religion, Parsi. Their family name, Bulsara, comes from the old name for their local town – Bulsar.
Jer and Bomi tied the knot in 1946 and soon after, Bomi’s job at the British Colonial Office took them to Zanzibar in Tanzania, Africa. It was here that their two children were born – Farrokh (aka Freddie) in 1946 and his sister, Kashmira, in 1952.
In 1964, the family had to flee Zanzibar due to the long-feared Zanzibar Revolution and settled in a suburban home in Feltham, Middlesex. After Freddie’s tragic death at the age of 45, Jer and Bomi moved to Nottingham to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren.
Sadly, Bomi passed away on Boxing Day 2003 at the age of 95, while Jer died on November 13, 2016, at the age of 94. As per their Parsi faith, they received private Zoroastrian funeral rites.
Brian May, Freddie’s bandmate, was close to both of his friend’s parents and had this to say about Jer: “Jer was a warm and devoted Mum to Freddie, and, like Freddie, always had a strong twinkle in the eye“. You can read more about Brian’s tribute to Jer here.
Jer and Bomi Bulsara’s Photo Gallery
Where were Freddie Mercury’s parents born?
Jer Bulsara and Bomi Bulsara were both from the Gujarat region in western India. The area was formerly known as Bulsar – hence the name Bulsara, but is now called Valsad.
How old were Freddie Mercury’s parents when they died?
Jer Bulsara was born on October 16, 1922. She died peacefully in her sleep on November 13, 2016, aged 94. Bomi Bulsara was born on December 14, 1908, and died, aged 95, on December 26, 2003.
What was the net worth of Freddie Mercury’s parents?
The net worth of both Jer and Bomi was not revealed. However, according to Freddie’s will, he left his parents a fourth of his share of Queen’s income. Although the exact figure hasn’t been reported, we’re sure it must be a small (or large) fortune!
Were Freddie Mercury’s parents still together?
Jer and Bomi Bulsara were married and had two children. They remained together until they died in 2016 and 2003 respectively.
What were Jer Bulsara and Bomi Bulsara like?
They appeared to have been supportive, loving parents. However, it’s probably fair to say that, Freddie’s father, strongly committed to the Parsi faith, found his son’s sexuality hard to swallow. Freddie never actually told his parents he was gay, but there’s no doubt they would have read about it in the media.
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What did Jer and Bomi Bulsara do for a living?
The family enjoyed a prosperous life and had domestic workers and a nanny. Bomi, the head of the family, worked as a cashier at the British Colonial Office.
What did Freddie Mercury leave his parents in his will?
Mercury left most of his wealth to Mary Austin, his lifelong friend and the remainder was given to his sister and parents. He left a fourth of his band income to his parents.
What religion were Queen’s Freddie Mercury parents?
The parents of Freddie Mercury were Parsis and therefore practiced Zoroastrianism, one of the world’s oldest religions. Originating in ancient Persia, now Iran, many scholars agree that this monotheistic/dualistic religion developed into Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. Many of its influences can also be seen in Buddhism, Gnosticism, and even Greek philosophy.
Jer and Kashmira talking about Freddie:
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